Cowboys headed for another December Collapse?

Well if last week wasn't cause for concern this week is definitely time to worry. If we lose next week or have to get barely past the Panthers because of a Tony Romo comeback I'd say it's time to hit the panic button.

The previous 2 December's when the Cowboys were in contention for the playoffs the Cowboys have gone 4-7. Even in the wins they've won by a combined 20 points (10 if you take out last years game in Atlanta)

Im just at a loss as to why we struggle, last year teams just found out how to exploit our weaknesses defensively and did it to perfection. This year we've struggled offensively (yes they did score 28 points but they were inconsistent) and T.O has been taken out of the last 2 games. It's opened things up for Jason Witten who has exploded but this offense is at its best when the ball is going to Owens and they're not trying to force it in there.

Another cause for concern is the last 2 weeks they've only rushed the ball 16 and 15 times, lets all pray that Jason Garrett isn't turning into the next Mike Martz. He's young but I hope he learns from this that when your starting QB's thumb is obviously affecting him you need to try and establish the running game (particularly with Marion Barber, Jones sucked to no surprise)

And that goes to my next point, we've been pretty fortunate with injuries this year aside from Terry Glenn and Jason Ferguson until Sunday. On top of Romo's thumb (which will probably be a major pain in his ass) we lost Andre Gurode and upon his exit we gave all 4 sacks on the day. Chris Canty, who's been solid the whole season, Anthony Fasano and Pat Watkins who comes in on obvious passing situations and special teams play. It looks like Gurode and Canty will play Saturday but Pat Watkins will miss at least next week with an ankle sprain. This normally wouldnt be a big deal but Roy Williams has been suspended for another horse collar tackle, his latest victim Donovan McNabb. And while I like Keith Davis's special teams play he's as bad as Roy when it comes to covering.

The one positive from Sunday is the defense probably churned out its best or 2nd best game of the season. The pass rush was fine as was the run defense (aside from one play, we'll get to that later) Only a couple things pissed me off, there were several times where Brian Westbrook was unaccounted for. That guy is arguably the most underrated player in the NFL, my favorite non-Cowboy and is there only offensive weapon, there should be a guy assigned to him on every play, and yet he had plays where he was free for a huge amount of running room. One play that sticks out to me is where the Cowboys rush 4 or 5 and McNabb swings it out to Westbrook and he has about 20-25 yards ahead of him. If I had to guess it was rookie Anthony Spencer's assignment and he looked like he was playing the run at 1st and once Westbrook slipped past him it was to late to catch him. But just to reiterate, he's there only weapon and should be monitored on every play.

And finally a huge FUCK YOU to Brian Westbrook for falling down at the 1 yard line and FUCK YOU Jon Runyan for giving him that idea. It was a smart play sure but because of it I lost 50 bucks and a chance at 300 dollars because I lost by 5 god damn points because you fell down. There is now a 50 dollar bounty on your head and if I ever meet you, you owe me money and possibly a kick in the nads courtesy of me.

Hopefully the Boys can bounce back against training camp castoff Matt Moore. I thought he looked good in camp and apparently did last week, but if it's a close game it is a major cause for concern.

Mike Sherman: Optimism Beats Out Skepticism

Mike Sherman was hired recently by the prestigous Texas Aggies to replace Fran (who was a joke of a coach). This move has came under a lot of criticism as of late because the AD, Bill Byrne, made his decision in less than a week, but I'm here to say it wasn't a bad move. In fact, it was a great move.

The man knows A&M first of all, due to the fact that he coached there on two seperate stints in the mid 90's. This helps because he knows not only the school spirit and atmosphere but he also has an idea of the recruiting trails to take. Another positive is that he has experience running capable offenses in his career which will greatly aid the Aggies who had all the weapons this year (McGee has still not sold me, but in high school showed he had ability that so far not transferred) but failed to produce anything special. Most importantly though, he is a winner. We had a winning record at a suspect Green Bay team before being fired for not producing enough in the playoffs, but thats hard to pin on him considering the players he had around him (didn't have that defense or wr's they have now). He's already increased the Texan's offense ten times over since taking over despite one of the worst lines in the league, one good wr, and a bunch of wash ups at rb. To top it all off, Bill Byrne likes him.... and he knows a lot more than I do. The man has been insanely successful since arriving and has shown he knows who to hire in almost every sport; plus they get him at about half a million cheaper than the Fran-man.

Texas A-M names its new Head Coach...

3 Days after Dennis Franchione resigns from the Fightin' Aggies of A-M (FAG's for short) they've already named his replacement, former A-M offensive line coach and former Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers Mike Sherman. He's currently the Offensive Coordinator for the Houston Texans, and will become the 28th Head Coach for A-M.

Sherman has been quoted as saying he dreamed of coaching for 2 teams, Texas A-M and the Green Bay Packers.

Since Justin is a bigger Aggies fan then I'll ever be lets see if he gives his take on the new Head Coach.

They don't allow the ampersand symbol Justin

A Salute to a Great Show

This past Tuesday HBO released the best new show of the year on DVD, Flight of the Conchords. This show has quickly turned into one of my favorite shows of all time and has met critical acclaim and a nice cult following. I can't wait for season 2 to start sometime next year. For those not familiar with the show it's based on 2 people from New Zealand (Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie) as they try to make it in America as a folk/comedy duo (the 4th most popular in New Zealand) They have plenty of clips on youtube to check out so without further ado I give you my top 10 songs from the Flight of the Conchords in Season 1.

10. Albi the Racist Dragon



Albi: What are you doing here, I thought I killed you yesterday! (grumbled Albi quite racistly)
Boy: No Albi, you didn’t kill me with your dragon flames. I crawled to safety! But you did leave me very badly disfigured. (laughed the boy)


9. Kiss is not a Contract



Best lines: Just because you've been exploring my mouth
Doesn't mean you get to take an expedition further south
Just because we've been playing tonsil-hockey
Doesn't mean you get to score the goal that's in my jockeys


8. Prince of Parties Based off the trippy acid video's of the 1960's (The Beatles had some pretty weird shit going on in there videos)



Best lines:I'm the funky monkey junky
You're a flunky bunky donkey
You're a picture of the devil’s daughter
I'm a pitcher of holy water


7. Business time: Perhaps there most popular song, the live version is better than the HBO version.



Best lines: The next thing you know we’re in the bathroom brushing our teeth. That’s all part of it, that’s foreplay.
Foreplay is very important in love making.
Then you go sort out the recycling Which isn’t part of the foreplay, but it’s still very important


6. Most Beatiful Girl in the Room - This was the 1st song of the series. I didn't know what to expect going into this show but was hoping for great things, and this song got me hooked.



Best lines: 'Cause you're so beautiful, Like a tree or a high-class prostitute You're so beautiful, you could be a part-time model
But you'd probably still have to keep your normal job


5. The Humans are Dead - This song may seem dumb but it grew and grew on me and now is one of my favorites of theres. The binary solo is pure genius.



Jemaine: They look like they’re dead
B: It had to be done
J: I’ll just confirm that they’re dead
B: So that we could have fun
J: Affirmative. I poked one. It was dead


4. Leggy Blonde - This one features there band manager Murray, who is rarely in the music videos but is arguably the best character on the show. One of there more creative music video's with the use of office supplies.



Best lines:Oooh leggy blonde you got it goin’ on
Wanna see you wearin’ that thong thong thong
See you getting’ on to the break of dawn Mmm-m-m panties on


3. Pencils in the wind - This was tough putting it here but the other 2 are funnier but the singing by Jemaine towards the end of the song gets me everytime as he tries to really get into it. It starts a little slow but really picks up in the last half.



Best lines: You know, Jemaine, I’ve been thinking about love. And I guess it’s the very strongest adhesive.
Oh sorry, Bret. Were you talking to me? I was humming. What did you say
Oh, just...nothing


2. If you're into it - This is Jemaine at his best and his voice is hysterical



Best lines: Then on our next date Well, you could bring your roommate
I don’t know if Stu is keen to But if you want we could double-team you
How about you And two dudes? Him, you and Stu In the nude
Being lude with two dudes with food
Well, that’s if Stu’s into it, too


1. Hiphoppopotumus vs. Rhymenocerous - Maybe it's because it was my favorite song from the beginning, it's always been my favorite and Im not sure if any other songs can overtake it. Just listening to some of the lyrics leave you rolling on the floor and some of there dance moves (like when Jemaine can't think of a freestyle)



Best lines: They call me the Hiphopopotamus
Flows that glow like phosphorous
Poppin’ off the top of this esophagus
Rockin’ this metropolis
I’m not a large water-dwelling mammal
Where did you get that preposterous hypothesis?
Did Steve tell you that, perchance? Steve. (shakes fists in anger)

My rhymes and records they don’t get played
Because my records and rhymes they don’t get made
And if you rap like me you don’t get paid
And if you roll like me you don’t get laid
Why, because I rap about reality?
Like me and my grandma drinking a cup of tea?
There ain’t no party like my nanna’s tea party. Hey! Ho!


And thats it, my favorite 10 songs of this past season to Flight of the Conchords, they also have a crapload of live performances and in some cases the live shows are even better than the music video's. I dont know how they're going to be able to equal this 1st season but here's to hoping they can in '08.

Dallas sends the Rockets on a Crash landing...

Well excuse me for the lame (possibly tasteless) pun but be glad I got it out of the way. Anyways it was a good hard fought game for the Mavs and they had to overcome a lot in this game to take it 107-98. They were without Devin Harris for the 2nd straight game and withouth Dirk's backup Brandon Bass either and that would hurt the Mavs because Dirk got in foul trouble in the 3rd quarter. Also the most impressive thing to look for in this game was both teams were 45-48 free throw shooting, thats amazing.

I thought the officiating was horrible tonight, have to get that out of the way, it seemed like for most of the game it was in Houston's favor (mainly McGrady's) and towards the last 4 or 5 minutes it shifted towards Dallas's favor especially on a couple loose ball fouls and some plays on PF Chuck Hayes.

As I said at halftime if the Rockets don't get a 3rd scorer to contribute they'd lose this game. I can see later this season Bonzi Wells or Mike James becoming a decent 3rd and 4th scoring option but they struggled tonight combining for 5-20. And although TMac had 19 points in the 1st half didn't mean he had to keep chucking (granted he had 7 assists) He had 35 points but need 31 shots to get there while Yao had a very efficient night going 9-12 for 21 and 11 rebounds. I don't understand why Adelman didn't go to him more, he did a great job freeing up McGrady for shots off picks though. They just stuggled in the 4th and couldn't contain Jason Terry who scored 31 off the bench.

Onto the Mavs they played well, once the 3rd started they looked like they'd break it open soon but the Rockets got there shit together and it kept going back and forth. Then in the 3rd the refs decided Dirk was breathing to close to the Rockets and got whistled for 3 fouls in the 3rd sending him to the bench. Josh Howard started the 3rd with 3 and once Dirk got his 4th he went in for him and quickly picked up his 4th. To make things worse for the Mavs was they only had 11 healthy players tonight. But with a minute left in the 3rd Jason Terry took over scoring 10 straight points in the game. Desagana Diop was very impressive getting a double-double 10 points 11 boards and staying on the floor vs. Yao getting 0 fouls, had he been in foul trouble the Mavericks probably lose this game. And aside from Diop and the free throw shooting, 4 Mavs had at least 4 assists and 3 had at least 5.

I'm just glad to see the Mavs playing against a very good Rockets team while being short handed. Also hope that Josh Howard is healthy because he sprained his ankle near the end of the game but was tough enough to stick it out though he looked in pain when he was going to the bench. Just what we need another injury to a key player.

Halftime in Dallas...

Halftime for the Rockets vs. Mavericks and it's a good game right now with the lead for each team not going above 5 points. The Rockets kept the lead for most of the 2nd quarter and the Mavs had it for one possession before Houston took it back with a Yao Ming bucket.



No surprise that TMac is dominating, he looks to be in mid-season form he's got 19 on 7-17 from the field. Yao will probably pick up the scoring load in the 2nd half, he's 5-6 for 12 points and if Diop gets into foul trouble Dallas might be forced for Dirk or Juwan Howard (since Brandon Bass is out tonight) to guard him (yikes) I think in order for the Rockets to win in the 2nd half they need a 3rd player to step up and get 10 or 12 points in the 2nd half. Mike James is a Mavs killer so don't be surprised if he explodes in the 3rd or 4th.

Dirk is only 4-12 but he's getting beat up and not getting any calls unlike TMac. Also looks like JJ Barea and JET are playing good at the PG position filling in for Devin Harris and Jerry Stackhouse is having his 1st good shooting game of the year. Josh Howard has 3 fouls and needs to not pick up that 4th. Also would like to say the Mavs team has greatly improved there passing this year, maybe it's because of new Asst. Coach Paul Westphal.

I expect the Mavs to win this game despite them being bit by the injury bug, of course McGrady and Yao could continue to dominate too. Should be an exciting 2nd half.

Dallas vs. Houston

Could be a playoff matchup in this year's playoffs, the Mavs and the Rockets square off for the 1st of 4 meetings tonight in Dallas. It's halfway through the 1st and it's tied at 13. I'll give updates at halftime and at the end and will add my Cowboys thoughts later.

The Mavs are also playing without Devin Harris, Erick Dampier and Devean George, so look for the Mavs to possibly struggle on the boards like they have in some early matchups.

- Mitchell

Western Conference Predictions

By: Mitchell Clemons

And on opening night I'll decide what I think will happen this NBA season unbiasedly of course (yea right)

1. Dallas Mavericks - I dont expect another 67 win season because I think Avery Johnson realizes he doesn't have to press and grind on his players all season but more as the playoffs come around. I'm curious if the Mavs have found a good backup for Dirk in Brandon Bass or if we'll be subjected to newly acquired Juwan Howard, who's ok but he's not an inside presence and is rather soft. But at the start of the season the Mavs just need to stay healthy and we need Eric Dampier back soon (despite how often he's criticized) It must suck to be one of the top established teams in the league (San Anton, Dallas, Phoenix) to have to coast through the season when you know it doesn't mean shit until March comes around)

2. Phoenix Suns - The team gets rid of there only decent big man defender (Marion's better suited defending the perimeter) with Kurt Thomas and I'm supposed to think they'll be better off? Grant Hill aint gonna be able to make that big a difference either. I'm curious if rookie and son of cokehead Darryl Strawberry, D.J. Strawberry will contribute as the year goes on. I wanted the Mavs to draft him and I think he can be a solid role player. But as much as I hate the Suns I feel bad for them because of there ownerships unwilligness to pay the luxury tax. When you have a team that's so close to the title you shouldn't be doing everything in your power to remain cheap.

3. San Antonio Spurs - Same story every year, they coast through the season and turn it on as the playoffs get closer. They need to prove some people wrong this year by finally doing about the only thing Tim Duncan has been unable to do in his career, thats repeat a championship. Other than that nothing new here other than who the backup PG will be and when the playoffs come and if San Antonio faces Dallas can Francisco Elson stay with Dirk like some think?

4. Utah Jazz - One of the best young teams in the league with rising stars at the cornerstone positions, big man and point guard. Deron Williams proved he was for real last year and he and Carlos Boozer will continue to thrive under Jerry Sloan. The real weakness this team lacks is a sharp shooting, shooting guard. Matt Harpring and Gordon Giricek are ok but it's an area that can be improved. Maybe rookie from Rice Morris Almond can help, he was 3rd in the nation in scoring or 2nd year Ronnie Brewer. The problem is Sloan hates playing young players. Also will Jason Hart or Milt Palacio serve as good enough backups to replace Derek Fisher.

5. Houston Rockets - Plenty of people think this team could overtake the Mavs and maybe even the Spurs this season. I myself don't because I don't think they have enough depth. Luis Scola will provide tough defense and rebounding while taking the occasional charge. Rick Adelman was a great hire now that this team can play defense. Jeff Van Gundy is a great defensive coach, but that's partly because he plays the slowest pace in the league but he couldn't coach offense for the life of him. Hopefully Mike James can fill the role of Bobby Jackson as the 6th man since he rejoined the Rockets this offseason. And will Bonzi Wells or Steve Francis stepup this year, I expect Bonzi to but Francis already seems to be in the doghouse and could be out before the end of the year.

6. Denver Nuggets - It's possible they could take the division over the Jazz but I see the Jazz stepping up this season and am not sure how good a defensive team this Nuggets squad is. Sure they have the reigning defensive player of the year but Tim Duncan ate him up in the playoffs, Nene did a better job than him on Duncan. But people look at the blocks and his longevity as a good defensive player and feel it's his time. But Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are both subpar defensively. I'm curious if Kenyon Martin can come back successfully and stay relatively healthy. Also just to mention Carmelo Anthony probably has the best all-around offensive game in the NBA.

7. Los Angeles Lakers - Why do I have them in the playoffs? I think Kobe's sticking around the whole year and if they can stay away from Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant being injured for a long period of time they're capable of being seeded higher. Andrew Bynum is improving by the day and people are expecting big things out of him, and Luke Walton is a perfect player for the triangle offense (I love his game) and Ronny Turiaf is a joy to watch. The Colonel (Phil Jackson, he will be adressed by this the whole season too) will have this team giving someone a scare in the playoffs this year.

8. New Orleans Hornets - Surprisingly not that hard a decision for the 8th seed, I don't see the Warriors playing with the same fire they had last year and this team finished 2 games out of the playoffs last year with everyone of there starters missing at least 20 games. Peja appears healthy and David West and Chris Paul need to stay healthy too. I like the draft pick of Julian Wright too because I think he's an athletic freak who can at the very least be a solid defensive player.

9. Golden State Warriors - The fire won't be there this year and this might piss off Don Nelson and cause him to resign or be run out of time again by Golden State. I think Nelson can turn Brandon Wright into an exciting young big man, provided he can develop a decent perimeter game. It probably won't happen this year. I'm somewhat excited to see what happens when the Mavs matchup with them in the regular season this year. I've never seen a team go so unconscious against a team and then seemingly fall flat the next round, half the shots the Warriors missed vs. the Jazz were swishes against Dallas.

10. Portland Trailblzers - I hate seeing Greg Oden go down, I really liked the kid. I was going to put them on a 3 year plan for them to be contenders and that will be delayed a year with Greg's microfracture surgery. Next year they'll focus on making the playoffs, then get a higher seed the next year and in Greg's 3rd year playing they'll be contenders provided he's healthy. And even if he's not Lamarcus Aldridge tore up the Summer League and the Spurs tonight and if Martell Webster has taken the leap in his 3rd year they've got an even better core than they originally thought to go along with Brandon Roy.

11. Memphis Grizzlies - I don't see Mike Conley being as good as some people think he can be, sure his game rose as the game was on the line but so did Acie Law's but no one was thinking he could be the 3rd pick. I like the signing of Darko Milicic to go along with Pau Gasol and am curious if the athletic Hakim Warrick has improved in his 3rd year.

12. Los Angeles Clippers - I should probably put this team lower because there season ended when they found out Elton Brand will be out until at least January

13. Minnesota Timberwolves - This is the year Al Jefferson becomes the man, unfortunately his team's either to young or to crappy to help him out.

14. Sacramento Kings - I'm a big fan of Kevin Martin and have loved Ron Artest since his Indiana days (even with the brawl) and this team is certainly capable of making the playoffs I don't think they have enough front court help to go far especially with Spencer Hawes possibly being out the season. We'll see if newly acquired Mikki Moore can help or if he was just a contract year player. Oh and I hate Brad Miller forever for being such a bitch to Devin Harris, it's bullshit that he starts a confrontation and Josh Howard is protecting a teammate and yet Howard's the one getting in trouble and Miller gets nothing, FUCK HIM AND HIS CORNROWS!

15. Seattle Supersonics - Another situation where I just have to put someone here and I don't see Kevin Durant being the savior this season that some are predicting (see Simmons, Bill) I don't think they have a prayer at the playoffs but they can potentially finish around the 9 or 10 seed if things go well. I hope Jeff Green and Durant can become a solid duo. Am also wondering how much longer the Sonics will remain in Seattle. Oklahoma City will gladly host them.

Also thought I'd mention I like the new ad campaign the NBA is wheeling out, I hate the slogan, where amazing happens, but the commercials are pretty damn cool.

Playoff Predictions
Conference Finals:
Dallas vs. San Antonio = Dallas (I'm going to operate under the assumption that the Spurs can't repeat)

Bulls vs. Pistons = Bulls (They'll go to the finals without Kobe)

Finals
Chicago vs. Dallas = Dallas in 6 (Big time Homer but I dont care)

MVP: Lebron James
Defensive Player: Tim Duncan (it's a crime that he hasn't received it before)
Most improved: Al Jefferson (he'll probably win this though he made the big leap last year)
Coach of the Year: Scott Skiles

Eastern Conference Predictions

By: Mitchell Clemons

Well it's that time of year, baseball is over and football is nearing it's halfway point and that means it's time for the NBA to kick off. Alot of questions are out there for this season, from where Kobe might and could end up, how much integrity do these refs have for the game, will the Mavs be able to overcome obstacles that have gotten in there way from the past couple years and will teams like Boston or Houston be able to rise to the top and become legit contenders. So without further ado here are my NBA predictions (hope they're more accurate then my NFL predictions, they were awful)

Eastern Conference, this conference is still obviously weaker than the west but you can make a legitimate case for 11-12 teams making the playoffs.

1. Chicago Bulls - Luol Deng and Ben Gordon are going into contract years and looking for the big extension from the Bulls. They have the youngest core in the league and one of the brightest futures. Hopefully Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah will improve as the season goes on so they won't have to completely rely on there perimeter game.

2. Boston Celtics - I'm not seeing the championship aspirations that some people are expecting, but that could just be because of my disdain for Kevin Garnett. The Suns have one of the best rotations in the league too but when you're only playing 7 guys a night your team will feel the toll on them as the season goes on.

3. Detroit Pistons - they're getting older but they could be poised for 1 last run to the Finals. Need some bench players to step up so they don't have to overrely on there starters.

4. Miami Heat - I'd say the Heat had low seed to no playoffs written all over them until the Ricky Davis trade, Riley knows his team's time is now and if Wade can stay healthy this team will be dangerous come playoff time. Remember the name Dorrell Wright.

5. Toronto Raptors - Andrea Bargnani will take the leap this season or next to form a good 1-2 frontcourt duo with Dallas native Chris Bosh. They overpaid for Jason Kapono this offseason, it will be interesting if he can continue his sharp shooting or if it was all a fluke.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers - Lebron still has no one to play next to him, Zydrunas Illgauskas was vastly overpaid and is getting slower by the day, Drew Gooden is a serviceable big but makes boneheaded plays. Daniel Gibson is still young and unproven outside of 1 playoff series. Larry Hughes can't stay healthy to save his life and Anderson Varajeo and Sasha Pavlovic aren't signed yet. But they still have Lebron, unfortunately it will be a long season for him and another year wasted.

7. New Jersey Nets - This might be to low for them since they had injuries last year, but you still have to wonder if Nenad Krstic will be healthy and if Jason Kidd will breakdown eventually. There rookie bigman Sean Williams (from Boston College) has impressed people out of camp and should provide an okay front court rotation with Krstic and newcomer Jamaal Magloire.

8. Washington Wizards - I flipped a coin between them and Orlando, both these teams could be higher seeds but the East is very balanced this year, if I had to remove 1 team it would be the Cavs but you can't simply for the Lebron factor. I like Gilbert Arenas and they were on there way to a top 3 seed last year til injuries got the best of Arenas and All star Caron Butler. Brendan Haywood and 2nd year Andray Blatche will have to step up since Etan Thomas is out for the year with heart problems. I'm sure Haywood's fine with it, it's noted that Thomas and he fought constantly in practice.

9. Orlando Magic - I hate thinking the Magic wasted all that money on Rashard Lewis but they did and it's simply ludicrous, they crapped away there whole salary cap for a fringe all star who's getting paid like he's Kobe. They've still got Dwight Howard and he needs to step up his scoring game in order to help take them to the playoffs.

10. Miwaukee Bucks - I'm curious as to how Yi Jianlin will work out this year. Big year for Andrew Bogut too because from some Miwaukee fans I've talked to they can't stand the Aussie.

11. New York Knicks - Another potential playoff team if newly acquired Zach Randolph can mesh with Eddy Curry...and they decide to play defense. Insert Isiah Thomas sexual harrassment jokes here.

12. Charlotte Bobcats - Adam Morrison's out for the year and that's probably a good thing as he was one of worst starters in the league last year. So much for the great white hope II. Watch out for Walter Hermann from Argentina. He's 28 years old 2nd year player and looks like Fabio but once the Bobcats gave him playing time last year he shined shooting 52% from the field and 46% from 3 pt. land including a 30 point game vs. the Bucks where he shot 6-8 from downtown. I'm also curious how Jason Richardson will fit in with this team (acquired on a draft day trade for Brandon Wright) This team could also contend for one of the final playoff spots.

13. Atlanta Hawks - I hope they can make the playoffs this year so the Suns draft pick won't be as good, they'll probably trade it anyways since there owner is so cheap.

14. Indiana Pacers - I loved the Pacers when Reggie Miller was there (my favorite player ever) and it seemed once the brawl happened the team fell apart and they've shipped off everyone. I'm still convinced they would've won the title that year. I don't like Jermain O'neal either, wouldnt be shocked if he's traded before next off-season.

15. Philadelphia 76ers - Sorry Philly fans, they did play better at the end of the year last year but someone had to go here and I couldn't do it to the Pacers.

Western Conference Preview coming when I get home...

Dan in Real Life

Hey, it's Tyler here, coming to you from Los Angeles. I’ll be dropping in occasionally to give you the scoop on what movies to go see, and what to wait for to come out on DVD, if even at all. Today I bring you a review of the movie Dan in Real Life.

First let me just get it out of the way. I am a huge Steve Carell fan. I knew who he was when he was a correspondent for the Daily Show with John Stewart and have followed him through his TV show The Office and his breakout movie The 40 Year Old Virgin. So with that said, lets talk about Dan in Real Life.

Going into the movie, I wasn’t expecting a raunchy comedy that I would be embarrassed to watch with my parents, and if that’s what you are expecting, you will be solely disappointed. Dan in Real Life is a romantic comedy that basis its moral theme on family values and being around with you loved ones. But don’t get me wrong. It’s got its laugh out loud funny parts, most thanks to Steve Carell and his outstanding performance. Dane Cook, who plays his brother often feeds off Steve and contributes with his own style of humor.

But this film also has some weaknesses. While I watched it, there were certain points where I wasn’t sure where the story was going. Most of this takes place in the beginning and I think some of it is just the development of the many characters this story involves. One of the other weaknesses I think is towards the end of the film. Everything just seemed to fit together too perfectly and ended too fast. But that’s not to say it doesn’t have a good ending.

So my final thoughts are that this movie isn’t a dirty comedy as are some of Steve’s other work, so don’t expect one. This is a family-romantic comedy that makes you feel as if you are really watching a family’s reunion unfold. It has parts that will make only the girls laugh, only the guys laugh (thanks to the fact that all the siblings are brothers), and then parts that both will find amusing. While this movie won’t be as talked about as The 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, in my opinion, it is still worth a viewing, and will leave you feeling upbeat when it’s over. I give it 7 out of 10.

Romo-Sexual

There really isn't a subtle way to start a blog, it's like being asked to lay the first brick of an Egyptian pyramid, but I figured with the news today on Tony Romo it was as good of a time to start as ever...

On Monday Ed Werder reported on ESPN that Tony Romo and the Cowboys agreed in principle on a 6 yr./67.5 million dollar deal (31 one of that being guaranteed) and the news seemed to be received fairly well throughout the media and people I've talked too. Many people were raising the yellow flag at the idea of signing him to an extension this summer after the tailspin at the end of last year (which is somewhat understandable). Then, with the news today of the extension I've already heard a few complaints that Peyton only makes about 3 million a year more on average, that Romo doesn't deserve to be the highest paid Cowboy ever, or that Dallas should have waited until the off season; let me be the first to say to anybody who disagrees with Jerry Jones decision... you are crazy.

The guy signed a contract for 10,000 dollars as an undrafted rookie out of Eastern Illinois and played behind a sandbox of scrub quarterbacks in the likes of Quincy Carter, Drew Henson, Vinnie Testaverde, and Drew Bledsoe before getting his chance after a few years of grooming. He seized his opportunity and did nothing short of shocking the sporting world by playing pro bowl caliber football. Sure he tapered off towards the end of the year and blew the playoff game versus Seattle with the botched snap but he proved the pro bowl numbers last year were no fluke. He worked hard in the off season (despite having to stare at Carrie Underwood and deal with his contract extension all summer) and came back this year to be the best quarterback not named Brady or Manning. Sure it's a lot of money, but the Raiders just ponied up 30 million guaranteed to a player who has never taken a snap and the Rams just gave a very similar deal to Bulger, a player who may have seen his best days. In Tony Dallas gets a player who is still young and only getting better but still a known talent who has performed at a high level in limited time. Only time will tell if he elevates to the level of other Cowboy quarterback legends, but the road looks promising.