Last Year's Dallas Cowboys Rumors Not Likely to Become Realities This Year
by Ryan J Lawrence
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ot.html?cat=14
Rumors. That's all they were. And just as most rumors go, these rumors - that the 2008 Dallas Cowboys were the most talented team in the National Football Conference - turned out to be nothing but hearsay. The disappointment ran franchise-wide - from he fans, to the players, to the guys pouring Gatorade on the sidelines. The rage ran especially deep in owner/general manager Jerry Jones, and the bitter taste in his mouth manifested itself in massive off-season changes which Cowboys' fans hope will result in addition by subtraction - and a better showing in 2009.
In 2008, the Cowboys were odds on favorites in most Las Vegas casinos to capture the NFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl. This in spite of the fact that the New York Giants - the defending NFL champs and the only team to defeat the previously undefeated England Patriots">New England Patriots a year before - were in their division. But those odds turned out to be like every other prediction for the 2008 Dallas Cowboys: just rumors.
With the subtractions of such problem players as star wide receiver, Terrell Owens, defensive back, Adam "Pacman" Jones and defensive tackle Terry "Tank" Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys should be a lot less distracted in 2009. They also appear, however, to be a lot less talented.
2009 Dallas Cowboys Schedule: A prediction
Sun, Sept 13 @ Tampa Bay (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Cowboys have the best opening day winning percentage in NFL history and they are known for giving false hope to their fans early in the season. Tampa Bay is rebuilding, so a Cowboys' win is not that far-fetched.
Prediction: One of the Facts. (Dallas wins 27-13)
Sun, Sept 20 NEW YORK GIANTS (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
It's the first regular season game at the new Cowboys Stadium. The huge scoreboard will be bright. The atmosphere will be electric. Of course, the first game at the new stadium will be a win, right? Look to the last game at Texas Stadium as a reference.
Prediction: One of the Rumors. (Giants win 24-17)
Mon, Sept 28 CAROLINA (ESPN)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
After a disappointing loss, the Cowboys fans will be fuming. And, it will show as the new state-of-the-art stadium fills with boos as the Cowboys fall behind during the first half. But, Tony Romo will pull some magic and lead Dallas to a last minute come-from-behind victory.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 20-17)
Sun, Oct 4 @ Denver (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas rides the wave of good feelings and after a short week of preparation, they shine in a shoot-out with the Broncos and their porous defense. Optimism is great after this win and the Cowboys seem poised for a playoff run.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 30-21)
Sun, Oct 11 @ Kansas City (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Reality sets in as the Cowboys travel to one of the toughest NFL venues for visiting teams. Two Marion Barber fumbles and three Tony Romo interceptions leave the Cowboys thinking about what might have been.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Chiefs win 20-14)
Sun, Oct 25 ATLANTA (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Atlanta Falcons rebound from a disappointing start with a break-out game. Second-year quarterback, Matt Ryan shines as he hooks up with newly-signed tight end, Tony Gonzales, on two touchdown passes. Dallas falls for the second time in their new home. Boos rain down as the proverbial buzzards begin to circle around head coach Wade Phillips' reign as Cowboys' head coach.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Falcons win 27-21)
Sun, Nov 1 SEATTLE (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Seattle comes to town and gives Dallas exactly what they need: a bad team to beat up on. TJ Houshmandzadeh catches two touchdowns but Seattle's defense has no answer for Dallas' running game featuring second-year running back Felix Jones who rushes for two long-distance touchdowns.
Prediction: One of the facts (Dallas wins 34-20)
Sun, Nov 8 @ Philadelphia (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas returns to the set of their most humiliating 2008 loss. They are unable to redeem themselves as rookie wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin and second-year stand out, DeSean Jackson torch the Cowboys' secondary. Donovan McNabb passes for over 350 yards and the Eagles prevail.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Eagles win 27-17)
Sun, Nov 15 @ Green Bay (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas, after previously going winless in Lambeau Field, notches their second win in a row. Aaron Rodgers fails to repeat McNabb's success against the Cowboys' defense as Green Bay fans begin to doubt his capabilities as Brett Favre's successor.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 20-10)
Sun, Nov 22 WASHINGTON (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Cowboys begin to build some momentum by unleashing a fierce defensive performance. Washington keeps the game close with a good defensive effort of their own.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 17-10)
Thurs, Nov 26 OAKLAND (CBS)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas takes a winning record into Thanksgiving, but a much-improved Raiders team meets the challenge. The Raiders are able to capitalize on some early Dallas mistakes and build a double-digit lead. Tony Romo leads the Cowboys back in a frantic fourth-quarter rally. However, Dallas fans are inconsolable after normally-reliable kicker Nick Folk misses a 43-yard field goal wide right as time expires.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Raiders win 20-17)
Sun, Dec 6 @ New York Giants (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Giants assert their dominance over the Cowboys with a dominating defensive display. Former Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty records two sack for his new team and the Cowboys limp home with a .500 record.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Giants win 30-10)
Sun, Dec 13 SAN DIEGO (CBS)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas comes home to face an equally disappointing San Diego team. Each side matches the other mistake for mistake. But, the Cowboys are able to prevail on the strength of four Nick Folk field goals.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 19-13)
Sat, Dec 19 @ New Orleans (NFLN)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
DeMarcus Ware records four sacks as the Cowboys harass Drew Brees, keeping the New Orleans offense at bay for most of the game. Felix Jones proves unstoppable for the Saints defense as Dallas gives its fans hope for a playoff appearance.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 27-20)
Sun, Dec 27 @ Washington (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas faces the Redskins in Washington D.C. with a potential playoff spot at stake. Washington builds an early lead but a late turnover by Jason Campbell give the Cowboys a chance to tie as time expires. Nick Folk drives through a short field goal to give Dallas and overtime win, their third in a row.
Prediction: One of the (Dallas wins 20-17)
Sun, Jan 3 PHILADELPHIA (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas faces Philly once again with a potential playoff birth at stake. However, Atlanta's victory earlier in the day combined with their tie-breaking win over Dallas earlier in the season means the Cowboys will be watching the playoffs at home. Meanwhile Philadelphia needs the win to potentially tie the Giants for the NFC East division title. The Cowboys play gallantly, but to no avail.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Eagles win 26-20)
Final Record: 9-7
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art...ot.html?cat=14
Rumors. That's all they were. And just as most rumors go, these rumors - that the 2008 Dallas Cowboys were the most talented team in the National Football Conference - turned out to be nothing but hearsay. The disappointment ran franchise-wide - from he fans, to the players, to the guys pouring Gatorade on the sidelines. The rage ran especially deep in owner/general manager Jerry Jones, and the bitter taste in his mouth manifested itself in massive off-season changes which Cowboys' fans hope will result in addition by subtraction - and a better showing in 2009.
In 2008, the Cowboys were odds on favorites in most Las Vegas casinos to capture the NFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl. This in spite of the fact that the New York Giants - the defending NFL champs and the only team to defeat the previously undefeated England Patriots">New England Patriots a year before - were in their division. But those odds turned out to be like every other prediction for the 2008 Dallas Cowboys: just rumors.
With the subtractions of such problem players as star wide receiver, Terrell Owens, defensive back, Adam "Pacman" Jones and defensive tackle Terry "Tank" Johnson, the Dallas Cowboys should be a lot less distracted in 2009. They also appear, however, to be a lot less talented.
2009 Dallas Cowboys Schedule: A prediction
Sun, Sept 13 @ Tampa Bay (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Cowboys have the best opening day winning percentage in NFL history and they are known for giving false hope to their fans early in the season. Tampa Bay is rebuilding, so a Cowboys' win is not that far-fetched.
Prediction: One of the Facts. (Dallas wins 27-13)
Sun, Sept 20 NEW YORK GIANTS (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
It's the first regular season game at the new Cowboys Stadium. The huge scoreboard will be bright. The atmosphere will be electric. Of course, the first game at the new stadium will be a win, right? Look to the last game at Texas Stadium as a reference.
Prediction: One of the Rumors. (Giants win 24-17)
Mon, Sept 28 CAROLINA (ESPN)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
After a disappointing loss, the Cowboys fans will be fuming. And, it will show as the new state-of-the-art stadium fills with boos as the Cowboys fall behind during the first half. But, Tony Romo will pull some magic and lead Dallas to a last minute come-from-behind victory.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 20-17)
Sun, Oct 4 @ Denver (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas rides the wave of good feelings and after a short week of preparation, they shine in a shoot-out with the Broncos and their porous defense. Optimism is great after this win and the Cowboys seem poised for a playoff run.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 30-21)
Sun, Oct 11 @ Kansas City (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Reality sets in as the Cowboys travel to one of the toughest NFL venues for visiting teams. Two Marion Barber fumbles and three Tony Romo interceptions leave the Cowboys thinking about what might have been.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Chiefs win 20-14)
Sun, Oct 25 ATLANTA (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Atlanta Falcons rebound from a disappointing start with a break-out game. Second-year quarterback, Matt Ryan shines as he hooks up with newly-signed tight end, Tony Gonzales, on two touchdown passes. Dallas falls for the second time in their new home. Boos rain down as the proverbial buzzards begin to circle around head coach Wade Phillips' reign as Cowboys' head coach.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Falcons win 27-21)
Sun, Nov 1 SEATTLE (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Seattle comes to town and gives Dallas exactly what they need: a bad team to beat up on. TJ Houshmandzadeh catches two touchdowns but Seattle's defense has no answer for Dallas' running game featuring second-year running back Felix Jones who rushes for two long-distance touchdowns.
Prediction: One of the facts (Dallas wins 34-20)
Sun, Nov 8 @ Philadelphia (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas returns to the set of their most humiliating 2008 loss. They are unable to redeem themselves as rookie wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin and second-year stand out, DeSean Jackson torch the Cowboys' secondary. Donovan McNabb passes for over 350 yards and the Eagles prevail.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Eagles win 27-17)
Sun, Nov 15 @ Green Bay (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas, after previously going winless in Lambeau Field, notches their second win in a row. Aaron Rodgers fails to repeat McNabb's success against the Cowboys' defense as Green Bay fans begin to doubt his capabilities as Brett Favre's successor.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 20-10)
Sun, Nov 22 WASHINGTON (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Cowboys begin to build some momentum by unleashing a fierce defensive performance. Washington keeps the game close with a good defensive effort of their own.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 17-10)
Thurs, Nov 26 OAKLAND (CBS)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas takes a winning record into Thanksgiving, but a much-improved Raiders team meets the challenge. The Raiders are able to capitalize on some early Dallas mistakes and build a double-digit lead. Tony Romo leads the Cowboys back in a frantic fourth-quarter rally. However, Dallas fans are inconsolable after normally-reliable kicker Nick Folk misses a 43-yard field goal wide right as time expires.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Raiders win 20-17)
Sun, Dec 6 @ New York Giants (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
The Giants assert their dominance over the Cowboys with a dominating defensive display. Former Cowboys defensive end Chris Canty records two sack for his new team and the Cowboys limp home with a .500 record.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Giants win 30-10)
Sun, Dec 13 SAN DIEGO (CBS)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas comes home to face an equally disappointing San Diego team. Each side matches the other mistake for mistake. But, the Cowboys are able to prevail on the strength of four Nick Folk field goals.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 19-13)
Sat, Dec 19 @ New Orleans (NFLN)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
DeMarcus Ware records four sacks as the Cowboys harass Drew Brees, keeping the New Orleans offense at bay for most of the game. Felix Jones proves unstoppable for the Saints defense as Dallas gives its fans hope for a playoff appearance.
Prediction: One of the Facts (Dallas wins 27-20)
Sun, Dec 27 @ Washington (NBC)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas faces the Redskins in Washington D.C. with a potential playoff spot at stake. Washington builds an early lead but a late turnover by Jason Campbell give the Cowboys a chance to tie as time expires. Nick Folk drives through a short field goal to give Dallas and overtime win, their third in a row.
Prediction: One of the (Dallas wins 20-17)
Sun, Jan 3 PHILADELPHIA (FOX)
A Cowboys win - One of the 2009 Facts or one of the Rumors?
Dallas faces Philly once again with a potential playoff birth at stake. However, Atlanta's victory earlier in the day combined with their tie-breaking win over Dallas earlier in the season means the Cowboys will be watching the playoffs at home. Meanwhile Philadelphia needs the win to potentially tie the Giants for the NFC East division title. The Cowboys play gallantly, but to no avail.
Prediction: One of the Rumors (Eagles win 26-20)
Final Record: 9-7
posted by The Gryphon at 10:01 PM
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