As much as I wanted to be able to say something else, it is true: the superhype is over. I had a dream. In that dream, Dallas defeated New England and steamrolled the rest of the competition to lose only two games this season. The Cowboys are still a good team. They're probably still the best in the NFC. But there's something about losing the respect of the nation and falling back into that category as a "second rate NFC team" that completely stole my thunder. 

The fairy tale died. Dallas was on the receiving end of the steamroll last week, and this week they barely squeezed out a victory against Adrian Peterson's Vikings (yes, they are HIS team now). Such a mediocre performance this week yanks me back to reality. Wake up, Daniel! The Cowboys are still the Cowboys! Which means that they are fun to watch but not superhuman (unlike stupid baby making Tom Brady and his Pats).  

So the season continues, but with much less glitz and suspense than before. My Cowboys are human after all, and have not reached Aikman-age superiority. Romo's minor hamstring injury after slide tackling a couple Vikings (nice move, but really stupid) knocked the breath out of me. If he were to sit, it's all over. Pack it up and wait until next season. So let's hope he heals up nice and quick!

Is anyone else desperately anticipating the intro of Tank Johnson and the glorious return of injured cornerback Anthony Henry? I won't even mention Terry Glenn except in passing because missing him is just too painful.

Well, Romo, you better stay healthy! A franchise is counting on you. No more stupid stunts like that. One touchdown versus injury should not be a difficult decision to make. So cut that stupid sh*t out!

I'll keep watching, but I have no illusions about a fantasy-like season. Dallas would have to go undefeated until the last two games to rebuild the frenzied excitement they built up before the Patriots game. Here's hoping they pull off some magic. But I won't keep my fingers crossed.  

It is being touted as the most exciting game of the year thus far. Dallas nearly forfeited an easy game to the Buffalo Bills on the national stage. Romo, my personal hero, threw five interceptions and had a significantly sub par game. Not to be outdone, Terrell Owens performed significantly poorer than any other game this year as well. 

It was Nick Folk, Cowboys field goal kicker, who owns the rights to the title of "game winning savior." With two seconds on the clock, Folk kicked a winning field goal as the Cowboys narrowly defeated the Bills.

I am glad to have missed the performance, as the sheer nervous tension of losing to the Bills would have made me an emotional wreck (well, perhaps a slight exaggeration).

Had the Cowboys utterly destroyed Buffalo, they would have earned national recognition as a legitimate contender for the NFC championship. As it stands now, Dallas needs to play exceptionally well this coming Sunday against AFC powerhouse New England in order to gain the respect they deserve.

No one really knows how good the Cowboys are. Let's face it: they've defeated a bunch of sorry teams. And as much as I want the Cowboys to be the real deal, they NEED to play several good teams for the challenge, the practice, and the sense of true accomplishment. You can be a talented team with the potential for greatness and still be unprepared for the big dance. This coming week will tell us a lot about the Cowboys.  

On an interesting side note, Terrell Owens has secluded himself from the media for this week preceding the Patriots game. He posted a giant sign near his locker essentially telling the media that the REAL #81 will prove his worth during the game. Is it safe to assume that Owens resents the attention that Randy Moss has received this year? I remember when Owens and Moss were considered the best two receivers in the league, and then both seemed to fade from view and guys like Steve Smith and Marvin Harrison stole the spotlight. 

Randy Moss and Terrell Owens both started this season on fire, apparently determined to prove their worth. Moss has gained more national attention than Owens, probably due to the fact that he moved from one team to another, which already meant the press would watch to see if anything is different. Owens got this same attention when he moved to Dallas. 

So is Terrell keeping out of the spotlight this week to work on his game and focus on the task at hand? Or is he simply unwilling to be compared to the red hot Randy Moss and risk embarrassing comments before the game? Whatever the case, it's got to be a good thing that he's keeping himself out of the press. If nothing else, the Cowboys desperately need Owens to show up big in this game against a superior Patriots defense.

Do the Cowboys have a shot at winning this game?

Of course they do. In this league, everyone has a chance on any given Sunday. The Cowboys defeated a monster Indianapolis Colts team at home last year, surprising most of the league. The Patriots CAN be defeated. But everyone on the Cowboys' roster has to show up for them to have a chance. We'll need Romo to scramble in the pocket (because he WILL be chased) and throw out to Barber and Witten in a hurry. We'll need Owens to get the 15 yard quick receptions and a break a few tackles for major yards. Barber has to pound the Patriots and show them that he's going to make a hole when there isn't one.

Julius Jones needs to step it up and force a couple extra yards per carry rather than falling down after contact. Crayton needs to come up big for a couple long yardage passes. Folk will need to be ready to kick a few 45+ yarders in case the Cowboys get stuck. And the defense? Pray for the defense. They'll need it. Someone has to cover all four wide outs when the Patriots clear the backfield and go deep. The Cowboys do not have enough guys to cover the receivers New England will throw at them. Look for the Cowboys defensive approach to be the deciding factor in the game.

I won't predict a winner, but we all know I'm rootin' for my Boys! 

Despite what some naysayers have said recently about Tony Romo, those of us enlightened individuals know better. He is no Jake Delhomme. He is the great Tony Romo, and I'd buy TeamRomo.com and start a Dallas Cowboy's blog if I could (tonyromo.net IS apparently for sale for $500, but i hate .nets). 

Some will say he hasn't proven himself yet. Fine. But I happen to respect Joe Theismann and Joe says that Dallas has found a gem in Tony Romo. He likes what he sees out of his ability to throw and run and make things happen for this team. Joe Theismann just happens to be one of the most hallowed quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. He's been analyzing quarterbacks for decades. I think he knows what he's talking about. And when he took the initiative to point out to Randy Galloway yesterday on ESPN Radio that Dallas has a gem in Romo, people should listen. 

Of course, Romo hasn't won a playoff game yet. He HAS rebounded from intense criticism and failure thus far. That dropped snap was bad last year, even though it didn't actually cost Dallas the game. According to Bill Parcells, in his recent interview with Babe Laufenberg, the team had one more chance to stop Seattle in that game and get the win. So even Parcells post-Cowboys doesn't think Romo cost Dallas the game. He could easily have thrown Tony under the bus without directly insulting him. 

Granted, Romo can't run like Vince Young. Maybe he can't pass like Tom Brady (though I'll never admit it). But he is a total package thus far. He has shown us no reason to doubt him. One dropped snap last year and a few less productive games under Parcells is no indictment against him.

Tony has made it through the first two weeks relatively unscathed without wide receiver Terry Glenn. As soon as Glenn comes back, assuming he's healthy, there's no reason why Romo can't keep this up. In fact, we might be seeing success thus far as a result of Glenn's injury. Don't get me wrong. Terry Glenn is DEFINITELY an asset. But Terrell Owens wants the ball. He wants his stats. With fewer stars, Owens is happier because he gets more of the spotlight. And as long as he produces like he has these first two games, that works out just fine. 

It's true that we haven't seen Romo in enough games to claim he's the best in the league. Even I won't make that statement YET. He'd have to have two solid seasons before he can be compared with the best in the league. I WILL say that Romo is my favorite quarterback to watch (which is only slightly affected by my geographic location).  

There is a difference between talent and greatness. We have seen Tony's talent. That much is certain. It will take time and some serious winning to prove greatness. But don't you worry. Tony Romo looks like the real deal.  

Who would have thought a lottery team that lost more games than they won would be the favorite to win the East in 2007-2008 upcoming season? How did this happen?

Two franchises in the West completely blew up their rosters and are rebuilding around younger talent, while Boston created a three-headed green machine in Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce. All three are notable All-Stars all who were the centers of attention on their former teams. While Boston fans have reason to hope for amazing things, the question remains: can these three super stars co-exist?

Absolutely. None of them have ever been in a situation where the pressure was shared by anyone else. I think that all three will thrive in this environment. All three are respected NBA vets, and at this point in their careers, they will set their egos aside and play fundamentally unselfish basketball.

The closest experience Allen, Garnett, and Pierce have ever had to this situation was during All-Star games. These NBA superstars are rejuvenated and ready to go. But wait! There is a downside for Boston: all three of these guys are in there thirties, so this is only a temporary quick fix. It's likely to be a 2 year window of opportunity, so they had better get it done in that time frame.

Who can compete w/ Boston in the East? Only a few teams have a chance. Detroit? Not likely. Their best chance at the title is over! Lebron and his JV squad are also not likely. Last year was a fluke. Chicago? They're a player and a younger less offensive Ben Wallace away from being a contender. Still, Chicago is a step above most teams in the East – mostly because of good hardnose coaching and young talent.

The only thing keeping Boston from winning a whole bunch of games and taking the weak East would be injuries. Hopefully I am not chewing my foot off come May.

Here is a look at there new rotation:

Point Guard – Rajon Rondo
Shooting Guard – Ray Allen
Small Forward – Paul Pierce
Power Forward – Kevin Garnett
Center – Olowokandi  
 
Look for Danny Ainge now that he has saved his job to sign some free agents if the cap allows it. THEY DESPERATELY NEED A POINT GUARD!
 
I also hear that Dale Harris is available and looking to come out of retirement early.
 

Due to the popularity of previous NBA blog posts, I am proud to announce the launch of MavsUpdate.com, a blog covering your favorite team, the Dallas Mavericks. 

The blog will cover news, trade rumors, draft rumors, game stats, and off the court antics. Coverage will include other NBA teams (especially the Suns, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, and Warriors), but all within the context of how they're successes and failures will affect the Dallas Mavericks' attempt to return to the NBA Finals.

Check out MavsUpdate today! 

NBA Teams to look out for this season: PORTLAND The deals that Portland made this off-season with the addition of Greg Oden will have an immediate impact this upcoming season they definitely have a chance of contending for the fifth or sixth spot in the western conference playoffs – they're new potential starting five and sixth man will look like this a lot of young talent and a decent bench. Steve Francis – point guard. although he runs the point, he definitely has a scorer's mentality Brandon Roy – shooting guard. lots of potential… look for a breakout season Darius Miles – small forward. athletic. young. considered overrated by some Channing Fry – power forward. fundamentally sound player Greg Oden – center. should have an immediate impact LaMarcus Aldridge or Jamal Magloire SEATTLE The deals that Seattle has made so far this off-season will make them significantly better two years from now. It's doubtful how much immediate playoff impact the new additions will make. They're young and Kevin Durant may struggle to find his groove at the NBA level during his first year. I bet he makes the ESPN Top 10 at least 20 times. They lost 26 points per game with the Ray Allen trade. This team has TOO MANY FORWARDS. Here's the starting five: Luke Ridnour – solid point guard. has the potential to be a Steve Nash-esque player. I have a feeling the Sonics are trying to move him for a scoring guard (which would be a bad idea) and move Delonte West to the starting role Wally Szerbiack – usually plays small forward but this team needs outside scoring. he won't have a problem playing at the 2 Kevin Durant – small forward. very athletic. prepare for takeoff Rashard Lewis – power forward. solid offensive player. decent rebounder. lacks defense. we'll see if he's still in Seattle for the start of the season Chris Wilcox – center. undersized center. very mobile. known as a banger Nick Colison or Jeff Green NEW YORK The deals New York made definitely dug Isaiah Thomas out of the hole he put them in. They improved drastically last year and are now a definite playoff contender, especially in the weak Eastern Conference. They're now a more balanced team. If Isaiah can just keep from making any crazy deals and sign a couple good assistants. Mike Montgomery if he is available or Eric Mussleman. Here is their starting 5: Stephon Marbury – scoring point guard. I personally can't stand this guy Jamal Crawford – shooting guard. decent player. will get you 15-18 points per game Zach Randolph – small forward. could be a franchise player. will bring 20 pts and 10 rebounds nightly David Lee – power forward. solid player. 10 & 10. good rebounder who hustles Eddy Curry – center. huge low post presence. improved player Quentin Richardson and Jared Jeffries

Sadly, the 2007 NBA Draft approaches and the media focus has shifted to Kevin Garnett and who will get him during this offseason. Is it fair to focus on trade rumors rather than the crop of fine talent the teams get to choose from this year?

Perhaps so. I liken Kevin Garnett to Vince Carter. Both players came very highly rated into the NBA. Both received MAJOR sponsor deals. Both were popular with the media. And both were fairly disappointing for years. Both KG and Carter have put up impressive numbers at times, but the NBA is all about winning. If you can’t lead your team to a championship, you do not qualify as an elite player.

Kevin Garnett found himself in an awkward situation with Minnesota. He was making so much money that they couldn’t afford to surround him with the talent he needed to succeed. That’s when you know success isn’t about winning… it’s about the paycheck. Show me a player who negotiates down to help his team succeed and I’ll show you an athlete worth respect. This truth doesn’t flow down to all businesses, just in case you were wondering. At some point, the millions of dollars are superfluous and really only amount to bragging rights. Is your life really so much more meaningful or rewarding with $22 million rather than $15 million?

As a show of good faith, however, we’ll skip over the obvious point and move on to trade rumors. Who to believe? That is the question. Will Garnett go to the Lakers? Will he go to the Suns? Could he possibly go to Dallas? Will Kobe stay in L.A. if Garnett doesn’t make it to town? And how did all my childhood basketball heroes make it into NBA team management positions? That freaks me out. Sorry… off topic.

Teams worth giving up on? With all the unconfirmed trade rumors, the Knicks and Celtics grace the top of the list. Just forget about them. If you are season ticket holders, you undoubtedly make the trip each game to see the opposing team. The Atlanta Hawks would and should make the top of the list of Team Suck, but trade rumors indicate the slight possibility of Amare Stoudamire playing for the birds next year, which would launch them to playoff hopeful for the first time since… well, I have no idea. That’s how long.

I’d love to see Kevin Garnett or Kevin Durant playing in a Mavericks’ uniform this fall. Chances of that happening? Slim to none. Why would one of the two suckiest teams in the West give up their only star? How could Dallas manage to maneuver into a top 5 pick in order to be considered in a Garnett trade deal? It just won’t happen. Wish all you want. I will too. But in the end, if the Mavericks trade for anyone, it will likely be random guy from random team whom we the fans never even thought about.

Don’t worry, Dallas. All is not lost. The Great White Hype may yet lead us on to greatness….

Kobe Bryant is still pushing for a trade. The three teams he’s interested in: Chicago, Phoenix, and Dallas. I don’t think he’s seriously interested in Dallas. But he would surely play with the amazing talent of Phoenix or be the center of attention in Chicago. Some people say that Jerry Buss won’t consider giving up his only remaining franchise player. I don’t know anything about the guy, but apparently he takes entertaining Hollywood celebrities very seriously. And big names come to see big names.

Halfway across the country, rumor is that Minnesota is entertaining bids for Kevin Garnett. While they’re apparently not actively shopping him around, they are listening to what other teams have to say. His contract is so expensive that they simply can’t afford to build a decent team around him.

Everyone keeps mentioning Boston, but who wants to play for Boston? Seriously. Boston couldn’t attract Top 20 talent no matter what. Paul Pierce is talented. So what? The Eastern Conference is weak. It doesn’t matter that the Pistons won a championship. No Eastern team can compete with San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix, or even Golden State (heck, maybe Denver too). The league is ridiculously imbalanced and no Top 20 player is going to want to give up the goods unless there’s a legitimate shot at a title.

Minnesota can’t heal its wounds. It’s a lame duck like Atlanta. Los Angeles can’t afford to lose Kobe to a Western team and no one in the East has anyone worth trading for.

Still, chances are that one of these marquee players will be traded. So who’s it going to be, and where do they go?