thesportsfag | my gay sports blog

As my momma used to say, “Who would’ve thunk it?”

Just three weeks ago the Cowboys were preparing for what everyone, including myself, thought was a sure beat down from New Orleans. The loss to the Saints would be the catalyst that would surely send the Cowboys into a tale spin, ending only after Dallas was eliminated from the playoffs.

Yet these Cowboys stepped up and beat the Saints and the next week they beat the Redskins. Two road wins in December put an end to talk of another Cowboys’ December collapse.

And so entering the final weekend of the season, Dallas is a win away from capturing their second NFC East title in the past three years.

On the other hand, fellow NFC East rival Philadelphia, withstood a number of injuries this season, starting tailback Bryant Westbrook, starting quarterback Donovan McNabb and several offensive lineman have missed several games. Yet amid the upheaval the Eagles cautiously worked their dynamic young play makers, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin, into an offense that had grown increasingly predictable in 2008.

As a result, the Eagles also enter the final weekend of the season just one win away from capturing the NFC East title.

Last year the Cowboys traveled to Philadelphia on the season’s final weekend of the regular season with a chance to secure a playoff bid and were routed 44-6 by the Eagles. So the question remains, are these Cowboys, who this season answered adversity with a renewed focus and determination, any different than last year’s squad that failed miserably at the end?

Absolutely.

What the Cowboys denied last year but recently acknowledged is that the atmosphere created by Terrell Owens’ selfishness was a major factor in their demise last year. So if you believe like I do, that a locker room can benefit greatly by addition through subtraction, then you’ve got a team that isn’t looking to get the season over with but rather, one that’s focused on making a push for the playoffs.

There’s no way Dallas will fall apart like they did in Philly last year, especially considering the Cowboys have only given up 30+ points in a single game to one team this year, against the NY Giants twice.

Philadelphia has big problems on the offensive line, Romo is playing great, the Cowboys offensive line is rolling and the Cowboys defense is peaking at just the right time.

Hottie Watch – Keep an eye on the tight ends, like I really had to tell you that. Tony Romo’s favorite little buddy All-Pro Jason Whitten and Philadelphia’s Brent Celek are hella fine and they’re having monster years which translates to plenty of face time on TV.

Prediction
Dallas 27 – Philadelphia 20

Other games of importance
New York Jets 27 – Bengals 17
The Jets have proven they can beat any team who doesn’t have anything to play for. Bengals’ starters may play but they will be on the sidelines when the Jets win this one in the second half.

Baltimore 38 – Oakland 17
Flacco will lead the Ravens to their second straight playoff appearance against an Oakland team looking forward to the off season.

The surprise comeback of Michael Vick overshadowed Tom Brady’s triumphant return to the NFL. While the Partiots walked away with the preseason win the Eagles signed another offensive player with first-round draft pick ability. Michael Vick isn’t going to be expected to play quarterback anytime soon but adding his abilities to an offense which now includes playmakers Michael Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, LeSean McCoy and some guy named Donovan McNabb and suddenly the Eagles have become one of the most feared offenses in the NFL.

Michael Vick was a pretty good QB in Atlanta and was always considered a dual threat. There’s no doubt the Falcons are a better team with Matt Ryan at QB but the Eagles took a big step towards the Super Bowl yesterday. Vick’s gonna play several positions and make life hell for NFC defenses.

If the preseason is all about repitition and getting your timing down then fear the Eagles in the NFC this year. Here are some stats from their first preseason game: Donovan McNabb 11/18 for 103 yds, LeSean McCoy (pictured here) 10 rushes for 55yds and Jeremy Maclin 2 rec. for 44 yds and 121 return yds. Those are scary numbers against the Patriots first team defense.

Who would’ve though hot ass Tom Brady would’ve been the second story here. He looked good as usual in his post game presser. On the field Tom was 10/15 for 100 yds and 2TDs and the Patriots won 27-25. In his final series the Patriots even went no-huddle and Brady was 5/8 for 63 yds. Granted it was against the Eagles second team defense but Brady looked sharp in his first action in close to 12 months. Randy Moss caught 3 passes for 54 yds and with Brady’s return now official, Moss in the happiest man in Massachusettes.

In the AFC I consider the Patriots, Steelers, Titans and Ravens as AFC favorites. And now, with the addition of Michael Vick, the Eagles along with the Giants, Vikings, Seahawks and Cardinals are NFC favorites.

The pre-season football schedule really gets rolling tonight with four games on the schedule two of which hold some intrigue.
Cowboys and Raiders from Oakland tonight. Hottie and gay favorite Tony Romo removed two drama queens, Terrell Owens and Jessica, from his life during the off season and the Cowboys will be improved this year with Felix Jones and Marty B playing big roles. Roy Williams has to prove that he can fill TO’s shoes in Dallas. But I still think the Cowboys are the third best team in the NFC East.

Then there’s the annual Super Bowl rematch between the Steelers and Cardinals @8:00 EST on ESPN. One of the story lines will certainly focus on the Roethlisberger lawsuit.. Already in his 4th year, look for Santonio Holmes to become Ben’s favorite target. Will Willie Parker be able to make it through another full season? He’s probable tonight with back spasms, not a good sign for Steeler fans who need a productive running game to start the offense.

It’s the return of always styling Tom Brady tonight at Philly and the Eagles look loaded on offense. Really interested in getting my first look at how rookie running back LeSean McCoy will fit into the Eagles offense.

Finally, it’s the Battle for the Capitol as Washington travels to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. My pick to click this year; Washington QB Jason Campbell.

Let’s get it on.

Oh yea if anyone is interested in joining a gay fantasy league (insert your own pun here) for football let me know by commenting on this post.