The battle cry several weeks ago was that the Dallas Cowboys were the best team in the NFL and the Super Bowl was their destiny. That may very well be true, but the NFC East will be brutal. The Giants are 4-0, the Redskins 4-1 losing only a close game to the Giants, and the Eagles have lost only once outside the division at Chicago. I can easily see three teams from this division in the playoffs if they don't knock each other out. Now, after a home loss to the Washington Redskins and a lackluster performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas sits in third place in their own division.

The Giants are playing well and clearly their confidence is high. There has been no Super Bowl hangover with this team. They play balanced offense, run the ball well, rush the passer, and play excellent special teams. Until they are beaten -- they are the champions. Eli Manning has given them a chance to win weekly, but really, it's the defense with its pass rush that is most impressive to me. As a Dallas Cowboys fan, I would love that kind of pressure.

The Washington Redskins look much like the Giants. Solid in all areas and Jason Campbell has been the true difference-maker. His improvement has made their running game even better because now if a team stacks the line of scrimmage Campbell makes them pay.

The Eagles, too, have the quarterback, running game, and defensive pass rush that in any given week is the difference. Their aggressive blitzing defensive front gives Dallas fits normally and is yet another obstacle to a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl run.

Looking at the NFC East, the Giants, Redskins, and Eagles all are similar and from early indications it appears every division game, home or away, is going to be an absolute battle. Like last year, it very well could be a NFC East Wild Card entry that ultimately wins the Super Bowl. In the case of Dallas that would be fine with me. Prove their salt in the toughest division in football, win a playoff game, and the rest will take care of itself. However, if Tony Romo and the defensive front does not match their division counterparts — Dallas may very well be watching a NFC Championship game between NFC East foes on television.

Jason Garrett has a long way to go before he's mentioned in the same sentence as Tom Landry. However, in his brief coaching career he is proving to be innovative and creative. I mean, no offensive coordinator in the NFL has figured out how to stop Marion Barber until Garrett did Sunday against the Washington Redskins.

Coming off a strong game against the Green Packers with 148 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown, Garrett called Barber's number a grand total of eight times and only three times in the second half. Even worse, two of those second half carries where on the initial drive of the second half. The Cowboys played as if they were down by thirty points pushing the panic button in what was an obvious attempt to get Terrell Owens more involved to quiet the raging flames that boil within. Looking back, even Garrett probably realizes Barber was totally underutilized, not to mention Felix Jones. I saw it early — as did most of the visitors on this site who were chattering live as the game was frustratingly unfolding.

As the highest paid assistant in the NFL and heir-apparent to Wade Phillips, fans expect more. If beer guzzling fans could see that Barber was missing in action during the game, why couldn't Jason Garrett? Tom Landry certainly would.

Finally, after an exciting draft and a boring preseason — the regular season is upon us with Dallas getting a taste of the Dog Pound. It's a tough place to play, but Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, DeMarcus Ware, and the rest of the 'Boys marched in Cleveland!

The Cowboys won the toss and deferred to the second half, which is a new rule. After a couple of first downs and a heavy dose of Jamal Lewis, the Browns drive stalled on third and one because of a bad snap and a well-timed blitz by the Cowboys.

The Cowboys delivered on a tough third and nine play to Witten on their initial drive and the Browns just had no answer for Witten, T.O., Barber, and the great offensive line play. That is, of course, outside of the usual Flozell Adams obligatory false start penalty. A one-yard touchdown run by Barber capped the sensational opening series to start the Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl run. Dallas 7-zip.

Cleveland answered with a nice drive going straight at rookie Orlando Scandrich, a rookie 5th round draft selection. They also were helped by a typical bad call by the referees where the Browns' Center moved the ball. But, Dallas was called for the penalty. Dallas had a stop, but a pass interference call on Adam "Flag Man" Jones extended the series which resulted in a Kellen Winslow touchdown. Dallas 7 - Browns 7.

Dallas answered with a couple of penalties, Barber smashing through for big gains, and a sweet touchdown pass from Tony Romo to Terrell Owens. Unfortunately, Owens was stupid and did some type of bizarre Olympic sprinter stance using the touchdown ball as the block. I suppose you take the good with the bad, but that was plain stupid. It wasn't very funny either. C'mon T.O, you can be more original than that!! Dallas 14 - Browns 7.

Cleveland didn't take advantage of Owens' dumb play and opened with an average return and a false start penalty. Sputter, spit, oops, and the spotty Browns punted badly giving Dallas excellent field position. Luckily Dallas overcomes Owens' childish play. Did I mention it was dumb?

Dallas was three and out. Looking ugly against a suspect Brown's secondary, Romo had up to "Ten Mississippi" on third down but couldn't convert. That series hurt because you just can't let a team hang around at home.

Cleveland's defense looked pathetic on the last Dallas series of the first half. Zero pressure. As a Brown's fan I'd be screaming. Still Romo worked throughout the field hitting Witten, but he dropped it. Ouch! Nevertheless, a little Barber and Owens resulted in a Dallas touchdown for Barber. Interestingly, it looked like Owens scored, but inside of the two-minute warning there was no review from the booth. Why? Of course because it was a Dallas probable score! Any close play where it would hurt Dallas and a red protest flag would be thrown from the top of the stadium by the replay official. It didn't matter as Barber made it official on the very next play, but the referees upstairs dropped the ball. Dallas 21-7.

Dallas opened the second half with a nice pass to Owens, but he was called for pass interference on a 31-yard completion. It was a push-off, but again, it happens all the time but *always* is called again Dallas. The truly sad part is T.O. didn't have to push off. Instead, he should have just make the cut and catch. The push-off wasn't necessary! Series over and Dallas punted. Their first opportunity to make a killing blow failed. Fortunately, the Dallas defense absorbed two runs and on 3rd-1 a Zach Thomas blitzed force a bad Anderson throw. On the punt, Adam "Fumble" Jones dropped a fair catch, but Dallas retained the ball.

The Browns finally put some pressure on Romo and was the Bologna in a Brown's sandwich. Romo winced under three Brown's defenders and while it was shown on the big screen the Browns' fans cheered. Way to go Brownies!  The referee's missed a penalty on McGinest when he hit Romo with the crown of his helmet. I thought quarterbacks were supposed to be ultra-protected? I guess the memo said "except for Dallas" as the conspiracy of the world against the Dallas Cowboys turns another page. Despite the obvious bias, Dallas and Romo marched down the field and rookie Felix Jones, in for Barber who was getting x-rays on his ribs, stole my fantasy touchdown away from Barber!  Dallas 28-7 and the Cowboys are off and rolling! Hopefully, Barber isn't seriously injured as injured ribs on a bruising running back is a bad combination.

Dallas was in control throughout the third quarter. Unfortunately, it ended on a 24-yard Lewis run for Cleveland after Tony Romo threw his first interception deep in Browns' territory. Momentum to the Browns as the fourth quarter started and the knock-out blow wasn't delivered by Dallas. My, what a spoiled fan am I? As an aside, did anyone catch the huge diamond studs Tank Johnson wears while he plays? His helmet flew-off and he was checking to ensure they were not on the field. Wow! That is the NFL today and another example of NFL players living in a different world than you and I!

Something disturbing was the lack of a pass rush for the Cowboys. Greg Ellis and Ware were no-shows throughout even when the Browns were in obvious passing downs the entire second half of the game. It appears if Dallas is going to get pressure in 2008, it will be with the blitz rather than constant outside pressure. Still, it was Ware causing a fumble with a solid backside rush that stalled a nice drive by the Browns. With ten minutes to play, Cleveland raised the white flag by kicking a field goal down 28-7. The fans screamed, I chuckled, and I see Head Coach Romeo Crennel in the unemployment line soon with decisions like that.

The fourth quarter was sloppy. Penalties nearly destroyed a drive for Dallas as they attempted to run some clock, but timely completions by Romo and some quality runs from Felix Jones and Tashard Choice kept Cleveland off the field, and more importantly, the clock running.

Overall a great way to open the season and a dominating 28-10 win. Yet to be seen is the extent of Marion Barber's rib injury, but hopefully it wasn't too serious.

Player's of the Game: Dallas Entire Offense. Simply dominated.

Defensive Stars: Nobody really stood out but they were all solid.

Flozell Adams Penalty Watch: Two false starts and a holding call. Keep Romo upright and I can live with that, however.

Up next: Monday Night 9/15 hosting the Philadelphia Eagles. Get ready for some blitzing!

Mark G.

Against the Chargers in Preseason game #1, I saw good and bad.

Quarterback:

Romo is so good. He has so much confidence and playmaking ability that he's a human highlight reel. Behind him Brad Johnson was decent but the Cowboys won't be a down-field passing offense with Brad Johnson.  Bartel looked over-matched even against backups, and if the 'Boys carry a third quarterback it will be a guy like Chris Simms. Otherwise, Dallas goes with two QBs on the 53-man roster.  Without Romo or a trade for a strong-armed backup like Simms, it will be dink & dunk passing, a heavy dose of running -- and depend on a stout defense.

Halfback/Fullback:

Barber and Jones are a huge change of pace, with Choice and Anderson both making the team easily. No NFL teams has better depth than the Cowboys with these studs.

Tight End:

Witten, Curtis, and Bennett make the team easily.

Offensive Line:

Starters dominated. Depth could be an issue as the second group didn't seem to push anyone around.

Wide Receiver:

Owens is the man. Crayton looked good against the Chargers. Austin a couple of decent catches. The rest were missing in action. Hurd better step it up, Amendola looked terrible, but the most disappointing was Stanback. He looks like he was running on a treadmill 100MPH -- going nowhere. Will he be one of those guys that sticks around long enough to earn an NFL pension but never realize his potential or contribute -- much like Austin and Hurd? Perhaps it's time to bring in a experienced veteran like Roy Williams or Boldin that makes plays, cut all three, and clear a couple of roster spots.

Defensive Line - Font Seven:

Starters dominated and the rotation should keep people fresh. Linebackers are active. Did anyway catch Zach Thomas' interview? Wow! Texan drawl and I expected him to hop on a horse and ride away. he should really help a run defense that was a little loose last year.

Defensive backs:

Rough day. Pass interference on every down-field pass. Must improve. Scandrick was put on the bench with a stinger after a collision with a QB. The QB stayed on the field. Let's hope coverage is his strength.

Special Teams;

Awful returns and even worse coverage. Only highlight was our first round special team's star -- Bobby Carpenter.

Overall a decent effort and the DBs and Special Teams will  get better. I'm just glad Dallas Cowboys football is back!

The Blue Star of the Dallas Cowboys. What does it mean? What is its history? What does it represent? For many of us the “Star” represents Championships, Winning records, Glory, and Success. No team in sports history brings to it such popularity, love and devotion; yet on the other hand, such hatred, hostility and disrespect. When you have a team with such a long history of achievement, as do the Dallas Cowboys, it is bound to make almost as many enemies as it does fans. The Star represents “America’s Team” as given to it by NFL films in 1979, and the name stuck because the team truly has loyal fans in every corner of the United States and beyond. The Star also represents wealth; wealth in accomplishment, wealth in finance, and wealth of notoriety. The latter part not always being the good kind. At times in it’s history, the blue Star has been tarnished. Not by failure of winning, (for that in itself can never tarnish the Star) but by failure in character. Every team has these problems, but with a team as famous as the Cowboys, player flaws and mistakes become magnified for all to see. Yet at other times, players who have had problems in their career with the law or with their teams, have come to Dallas, been given a second chance, picked themselves back up, and became very successful; as citizens and as teammates. In doing so, bringing honor to the Star and polishing it even more.


As a child I was drawn to the Dallas Cowboys like a magnet. I first remember seeing Tony Dorsett and Danny White. And I saw that Cowboy Star on the TV screen. I wanted to be a part of that in some way, in any way. I knew when I saw that star that it was something special. My parents bought me Dallas pajamas with that blue star which I wore every night. I was teased some growing up for being a Cowboy fan, but I didn’t care, and I never abandoned them during the lean years in the late 80’s. And when they won their championships again in the 90’s, I felt proud inside to know I was not a bandwagon fan. After some lean years again in the early 2000’s, the Dallas Cowboys and the Star are now shining bright again, marching proudly down the path to glory and success. Another Superbowl trophy is just around the corner.


The big Blue Star. The star is one of the earliest shapes we learn as children, and the Cowboys have taken this iconic symbol, merging it with tradition, consistency, and success, and claimed it as their own. The blue star has become the pinnacle of helmet and sports recognition. So if you see a blue star somewhere, anywhere, odds are, you are going to think “Dallas Cowboys.” So ask yourself, what does the Star mean to you?

John A. Hildman III