Baylor Quarterback Robert Griffin Texas Sports Monthly’s 2010 Big 12 Comeback Player of the Year
FEATURE
PRESENTATION
10 How To Make
A Career Disappear
Pitcher Roger Clemens had a hall of fame career, but his arrogance may allow it to go up in smoke.
12 Up In The Air
BIG 12 PREVIEW
Texas Sports Monthly breaks down one of the most unpredictable seasons in the competitive conference.
Courtesy: Baylor University Photography
REGULAR
SCHEDULE
The Six Shooter Fantasy Factory A Super Season: 2010 Dallas Cowboys Preview Breaking The Habit: 2010 Houston Texans Preview
Flying Under The Radar: D.J. Monroe 2 TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY
WELCOME TO TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY Introduction: Texas Sports Monthly is one of the most comprehensive sources of information for professional and college sports throughout the state of Texas. The magazine is a full color news tabloid with action packed photos, full length articles and the latest news and inside information on all of your favorite Texas sports.
SEPTEMBER 2010
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The staff at Texas Sports Monthly would like to thank you for your consideration and the time you have afforded us, and we look forward to working with you in a successful ongoing business relationship. Sincerely, Russell Dowden – Publisher Adam Sweeney – Editor-in-chief Bradford Harrison- Staff Editor Jim Malone - Marketing Director
Letter from the Editor-in-chief
Russell Dowden
EDITOR-In-Chief
Adam Sweeney
Staff EDITOR
Bradford Harrison Jim Malone
ART DIRECTOR
James Wetz
Russell Dowden Bradford Harrison Jim Malone Steven Paul Adam Sweeney
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Tiffany Cunningham Contributors
Cover photography courtesy of: Jim Sigmon and Joy Lawrence
As editor of this newly founded publication, I thought it would be a good idea to give a little background into what we’re all about. Consider this our written version of the NFL Combine, no cone drills included. Having had the privilege of writing for publications like Sports Illustrated.com and SLAM Magazine, it’s safe to say that I’m no stranger to sports journalism. I’ve cut my teeth covering teams such as the Houston Texans, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs. However, what we are hoping will separate our magazine from the run of the mill sports rag is simple. We love Texas sports because we have lived and died through Texas sports. Anyone can tell you that the Buffalo Bills defeated the Houston Oilers in 1993 in what is known as the greatest comeback in NFL history, but what matters to us is how it felt to witness such an event. The loss didn’t matter as much as the awareness that Oilers fans had witnessed the last gasp at greatness for Warren Moon and his teammates. Houston football hasn’t been the same since. I have no shame in admitting that as a child I threw my Oilers shirt into the trash and went to bed crying that night. Even then I was passionate as a fan. Every member of the Texas Sports Monthly staff has been picked because they share a devotion to sports that is as big as the Lone Star State itself. Bradford Harrison brings a vault of knowledge to back his fanaticism and unique voice. Russell Dowden and Jim Malone, our proud owners, are no strangers to sports in the central Texas area and always keep us on point. As for me, sports is such a big deal that the running joke in my house is that I am unaware that there are channels outside of ESPN. Thanks a lot for joining the readership of Texas Sports Monthly. With any luck we can all look back at this issue and say we were there when something special started, much like the stories we tell during games about the first time we saw Vince Young scramble or when we got to attend Midnight Yell the night before an Aggies game. Strap on your helmets, readers. The season starts now. Adam Sweeney, Texas Sports Monthly Editor-in-chief
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The
SHOOTER SIX
Every month the staff at TSM will fire off six bold and often controversial thoughts about the current state of sports in Texas.
1
Nobody has a clue what the Texas Longhorns will do this season.
Depending on who you listen to, the 2010 UT football team is either BCS Championship bound or going to have their heads kicked in by Nebraska. The reality may fall somewhere in between as the Longhorns have just as much upside as question marks. Defensive end Sam Acho will help prop up a killer Texas defense and you may have heard of QB Garrett Gilbert once or a thousand times already. However, the ‘Horns lack a steady offensive line, true number one running back and will miss Jordan Shipley at receiver. A BCS bowl game berth is likely but hold off on talk of a rematch with Alabama.
2
Yao Ming is one of the most underrated all-time centers in the NBA.
Coming off foot surgery and a declaration that he may have to retire, the Houston Rockets center looks to be in the twilight of his career. Even on one foot, however, Ming is still the most well rounded center in the NBA. The average fan will remember him as a fragile player high on finesse and international popularity but low on durability and post-season success. A closer look shows that Yao has the most deadly offensive skill set since Hakeem Olajuwon tore it up in Houston and will never get the credit he deserves.
6 TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY
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by Adam Sweeney
Josh Hamilton will have a biopic made in his name by 2020.
No offense to “The Rookie,” the inspiring film based on the life of pitcher Jim Morris, but Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton should be the focus of the next ten Disney sports films. “The Natural” has fought his way through a wall of alcohol and drug addiction to put up one of the greatest statistical seasons all-time at the plate. That’s a story worth putting on the big screen. Try to tell us that Mark Wahlberg wouldn’t jump at the chance to play the role.
4
Case Keenum will finish in the top 5 in Heisman Trophy race
Who has two thumbs and has led the nation in total offense for the last two seasons? Case Keenum. That’s who. It continues to blow our minds that so few people discuss Keenum when the topic of best Texas quarterback comes up, but the stats don’t lie. The Houston Cougars senior finished eighth in Heisman voting last season and has added incentive to perform this season, as it is his last chance to show critics he isn’t a system quarterback before he attempts to make it in the NFL.
5
Dez Bryant is as good as advertised.
While we’re not ready to start wearing WWDD bracelets yet, Dallas Cowboys rookie Dez Bryant is going to stun defenses with his athleticism. Had he not slipped into a puddle of controversy, he would have been a certain top ten pick in the NFL. You can hate Jerry Jones, and many do, but he made the right move in grabbing Bryant in the first round. Jones learned his lesson after passing on a certain Randy Moss in the draft. That worked out pretty well for the Cowboys, right? This time it will be Bryant who makes teams regret not pulling the trigger in grabbing him. In the end they shot themselves in the foot.
6
Andre Johnson is already a Hall-ofFame worthy wide receiver.
The Houston Texans just put the lock on Johnson, giving him an extension that will keep him in Houston until 2016. He’s worth every penny and will go down as one of the greatest wideouts ever. Fantasy football owners and Texans fans know his merits but let’s break it down. Johnson has averaged 108 passes, 1,572 yards and 8 touchdowns the past two seasons. In short, he is a Madden video game character come to life. He will be the first Houston Texans player inducted into Canton.
FANTASY
FACTORY
by Bradford Harrison With the blessed return of the NFL to televisions and stadiums across the nation this fall comes the reappearance of fantasy football, and whether your experience the joy of victory or the agony of defeat on your digital gridirons this season, Fantasy Factory is here to make your team’s draft day easier (or at least more interesting.)
FANTASY FACTORY’S 5 DOS & DON’TS ON DRAFT DAY:
1
Don’t be fooled by the “running back by committee” reports.
The word from teams like Seattle, Kansas City, and New York is that the running game will be split up. Don’t believe it. Justin Forsett, Jamaal Charles, and Shonn Green will all receive the majority of the carries this year for their respective teams. All these players warrant a No. 2 running back value, and would be a good 3rd-4th round pick. Ladainian Tomlinson is with the Jets, you say? The speed is gone, the cut is gone and carries are soon to be gone as well. Remember, LenDale White was supposed to steal touchdowns from Chris Johnson last season. That didn’t work out so well, did it?
2
Do take a gamble and reach for a top 5 defense in rounds 7-8.
4
Do make smart sleeper choices and try not to reach (too much).
Matt Ryan could be a low-end starter in fantasy leagues but he’s been labeled a sleeper by so many experts even with losing one weapon in Michael Jenkins. People are afraid to draft Matt Hasselbeck when he now has many weapons in Golden Tate, a healthy Deion Branch, Anthony McCoy and Leon Washington. Some draft day managers think Matt Stafford is a wonderful sleeper choice because he has a strong arm comparable to Jay Cutler’s. He has Tony Scheffler, Nate Burleson and Jahvid Best after all, right? Watch out. Scott Linehan still calls the plays, the offensive line is still not solid and he will throw picks because they’ll be playing from behind in most contests.
5
Don’t reach at the tight end position.
The point drop off from a great defense to a merely good A few years ago, having Jason Witten or Antonio one is significant. Defenses are well known for not being Gates on your team week in and week out was a the most consistent fantasy performers but a defense like certain thing. That’s not the case anymore. The depth at Philadelphia’s, with a penchant for turnovers, can explode TE in this year’s league is extreme. Young tight ends like for a few games and win you some close contests. the Redskins’ Fred Davis and Oakland’s Zach Miller are great choices for a solid contributor.
3
Don’t ignore WR’s until it’s too late.
If you have a habit of drafting RB, RB, QB and then start to make reaches, the weakest part of your team will be your WR corps every time. Roddy White, Marques Colston and Greg Jennings are all steals early in the third round. If you get smart and lucky you could end up with a top flight RB, Jennings and White with your first three picks.
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Did you know?
That Fantasy Football accounts for nine billion dollars in lost work productivity every fiscal year.
FANTASY FACTORY’S TOP 10 SLEEPERS The word “Sleeper” is thrown around with reckless abandon in Fantasy Draft war rooms these days, despite there being wildly divided debate on what a “Sleeper” really is. Fantasy Factory makes no guarantees, but the following ten players won’t be comatose on the field this season and are worth late round consideration: 1: Laurent Robinson, WR/ St. Louis Rams: Much of Robinson’s value depends on the play of likely starter, rookie QB Sam Bradford. But someone in St. Louis has to catch passes, right? Robinson looks like the strongest choice for No. 1 receiver on the Rams. 2: Jacoby Jones, WR/ Houston Texans: Yes, Fantasy Factory knows he only caught 26 passes last year. However, 6 of those were for TDs and with Matt Schaub, the NFL’s most prolific passer last season, throwing the ball, every WR on the Texan’s roster is worth a look. 3: Arian Foster, RB/ Houston Texans: The weakest part of the Texans’ roster is running back. With rookie Ben Tate perhaps out for the season with an injury and Steve Slaton’s hands still fumbleprone, Arian Foster could get the bulk of the carries in Houston. 4: Bernard Scott, RB/ Cincinnati Bengals: Cedric Benson may have had his breakout year with the Bengals last season, but he is injury prone. Bernard Scott filled in quite nicely, racking up 206 rushing yards in two fill-in starts. He will definitely see some carries and his speed running style compliments Benson’s bruising power well. 5: Kenny Britt, WR/ Tennessee Titans: In the Titan’s run heavy offense, WRs often go unnoticed, and coupled with concerns about QB Vince Young’s (improving) accuracy, that facet is not surprising. That being said, Britt is the best receiving option on the team and has shown great flashes of speed in the punt return game last season.
6: Chad Henne, QB/ Miami Dolphins: Henne’s numbers may have been pedestrian last season, but with another year comes improvement. That, coupled with the Dolphins acquisition of top flight wide-out Brandon Marshal, only signals optimism from Henne in South Beach this season. 7: Jordan Shipley, WR/ Cincinnati Bengals: Shipley is no stranger to University of Texas fans, but combine crisp route running, excellent hands, and beyond-his-years maturity, and you have the makings of a fine rookie season playing as the No. 3 wide receiver for the Bengals. 8: Brent Celek, TE/ Philadelphia Eagles: How can a TE with over 900 receiving yards and 8 TD catches last season be a sleeper, you ask? Can you even pronounce his name, dear readers? Celek never gets the attention he deserves, and if things get dicey in Philly this season you can bet Celek will be QB Kevin Kolb’s safety valve sooner rather than later. 9: Mike Wallace, WR/ Pittsburgh Steelers: With Santonio Holmes gone the Steelers seemingly lack a fast, depth threat. Not so in Steel Town, with Wallace running a 4.3 second 40 yard dash and his ability to stretch the field. Sure there will be some down games, but whenever Pittsburgh throws a bomb you can bet Wallace will be the intended recipient. 10: Victor Cruz, WR/ New York Giants: The deepest sleeper in Fantasy Factory’s draft this year, Cruz caught 3 touchdown passes to go along with 145 receiving yards in the Giants first preseason game outing at the freshly debuted New Meadowlands Stadium. The undrafted rookie out of UMass is a lock to make New York’s roster and looks to make noise this NFL season.
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10 TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY
HOW TO MAKE A CAREER
DISAPPEAR by Adam Sweeney
354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, and eleven All-Star team selections.
Impressive numbers, without question, but the only number that matters at this point for Roger Clemens is six, the number of indictments the righthander faces. No statistic or fastball can save Roger Clemens now. The flame-throwing superstar that was once considered the greatest pitcher of this generation was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2010 on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice and falsifying statements concerning his use of performance enhancing drugs, and now the question on the public’s collective mind is where does “The Rocket” go from here. The words Roger Clemens and suspicion of performance enhancing drugs have gone hand in hand for decades, but baseball fans largely ignored the elephant in the room. With the release of the Mitchell Report, the twenty-one month investigation into Major League Baseball players’ use of anabolic steroids and human growth hormone, it is clear that our belief in the purity of baseball has been destroyed in a circus stampede. If Clemens chooses to continue in the fight to save his reputation, he may come out as the biggest clown of all. Not only is Clemens’ reputation at
stake, so is his life as a free man, as he now faces a combined maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. The range of time could be reduced to 15-21 months but the damage would still be significant. That, however, isn’t the reason Clemens carries on in his quest for absolution. An untarnished spot in Cooperstown is worth everything to him. Roger Clemens’s continuing legacy has become a train wreck we can’t convince ourselves to away from. He is baseball’s Lindsay Lohan in large part because of his unquenchable thirst for fame. Congress didn’t ask for him to come before them to speak, yet Clemens decided to roll the dice in a publicity stunt where he would lay the truth out for all to see. It backfired spectacularly and Clemens is faced with a dilemma; to come clean or to continue throwing everything he has at his naysayers. The same headstrong mentality that has bailed out the seven-time Cy Young award winner so many times in high-pressure playoff situations has come back to haunt him. Clemens isn’t the type of player or man to back down. If he had stepped forward to offer a confession at the time Andy Pettitte did, in December of 2007, the court of public opinion would likely
have given him a pardon by now. As it is, Clemens is walking the green mile and looks ready to hang himself. The unfortunate reality for Clemens is that his undoing may come in his refusal to just admit that he has done any wrong, that is if he did anything wrong. It is important to remember that Clemens has not failed a league mandated drug test. However, his name was mentioned eighty-two times in The Mitchell Report and both Andy Pettitte and Chuck Knoblauch, former teammates of Clemens, admitted getting performances from Brian McNamee, the same trainer Clemens is infamously associated with. That’s damning evidence in the court of public opinion. As complex as the lives of athletes are, the moral of the story is simple. Honesty still is the best policy. If Clemens is proven to be the hurler of a fastball of lies, he will have to look back knowing that he had countless opportunities to save his image and star-struck soul. The more likely outcome seems to be that he will take his place next to the other cheaters of the game and our belief in them. Just as Barry Bonds will have an unwritten asterisk next to his home run record, Clemens may always have to wear a self-stitched scarlet letter on his uniform.
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Up In The Air: The 2010 Big 12 Season Preview By Bradford Harrison Baylor Quarterback Robert Griffin
Courtesy: Baylor University Athletics
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BIG 12SOUTH Texas Longhorns Biggest Strength:
Secondary: Texas boasts NFL-caliber talent in cornerbacks Aaron Williams and Curtis Brown, in addition to Blake Gideon Chykie Brown at the free safety and strong safety position. With the majority of the group of starters returning from an extremely strong showing last year, the secondary should be one of the best in the nation a mere two years after being torched by most of the prolific pass-attacks in the Big 12.
Biggest Question Mark:
years of stagnation and Garret Gilbert can connect well with his group of young receivers, another Big 12 title and a BCS Bowl berth are easily possible. There is too much talent year after year at Texas to deny this. However, if Gilbert and the ground game struggle, it could translate to a three loss season and Holiday Bowl berth for the Longhorns. Season Outlook: If Texas can finally The exact future for the Longhorns this get the ground game going after two season is a bit foggy at this point. Running Back: Texas has not had a 1,000 yard rusher since 2007. This year Texas may employ a running back by committee approach, but ideally the team would like a leader to emerge between the speedy but small Tre’ Newton and the oft-injured but ultra talented Fozzy Whittaker.
Oklahoma:
Biggest Strength: Overall Defense: Returning starters like Defensive End Jeremy Beal (11 Sacks in 2009) and Linebacker Travis Lewis (109 total tackles in ’09) anchor a stout defense that looks to improve on its already lofty top ten ranking. The Sooners defensive line also sports impressive run stoppers in players like Adrian Taylor and new starter Jamarkus McFarland. Biggest Question Mark: Offensive Line: Just like last season, the biggest unknown for the Sooners will be its front five. The Oklahoma line was plagued by injury last season to an almost unprecedented degree, and this season they will have to break in three new starters. These troubling facts have many in Sooner nation worried as sub-par line play could weaken the seasons of standout senior running back DeMarco Murray and the strong-armed QB Landry Jones. Season Outlook: Oklahoma has the talent to win the Big 12 and secure a BCS Bowl berth. Just like last season, though, the Sooner’s season hinges on a win in the Red River Rivalry, and a healthy, congealed offensive line to propel the rest of the offensive’s role players to success.
Texas A&M:
Biggest Strength: Overall Offense. Yes, TSM knows that Jerrod Johnson gets all the hype in the Aggies high powered offense, but the A&M offense sports a great running back in Christine Michael and two potential 1,000 yard receivers in Uzoma Nmachukwu and Jeff Fuller. The Aggies will look to improve their top five nationally ranked offense from last year with a more bruising running game and an even more accurate Jerrod Johnson. Biggest Question Mark: Overall Defense: The Wrecking Crew has been missing in action as a whole for years now. Adding to the task of trying to break recent history, the Aggie defense must break in four new starters and a completely new 3-4 defensive scheme. Sure, the offense is high powered but at least a few defensive stops are needed to win close games, and the defensive has yet to prove it is consistently up to this task. Season Outlook: The Aggies will score in bunches and be extremely entertaining to watch, but a young defense will have to step up and make plays if Texas A&M wishes to climb out of the middle of the Big 12 South. The TSM staff remains skeptical they can do so. continued on page 14
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SOUTH
CONTINUED
Texas Tech:
Biggest Strength: Passing Game: The Red Raiders will employ a similar Spread-Attack in the passing game this season, and QB Taylor Potts will enjoy 7 returning wide receiver targets. Biggest Question Mark: Coaching: No coach, even with someone like the pedigree of incoming coach Tommy Tuberville, can hope for a perfect season in year one. His stronger emphasis on the running game and a new 3-4 defense will take time to learn. Season Outlook: Texas Tech will be bowl bound this year, but how good of a berth they receive will be dependent on a young defense and how quickly the team picks up Tuberville’s new schemes.
Baylor:
Biggest Strength: Hunger: Baylor had to endure the lack of a bowl trip again last season, when hopes were sky high. This season, with a healthy Robert Griffin III at the helm, the Bears team is ready to return to postseason play, something Waco has not experienced since 1994. Biggest Question Mark: Overall Talent: The Bears have been steadily improving in both play and off-the field recruiting under head coach Art Briles, but there is still a sizeable gulf between the Bears’ talent and the rest of the BIG 12 South. Can players step up and prove that hunger and heart mean more than perceived talent in the star-studded Big 12? Season Outlook: TSM (conservatively) expects Baylor to win 6 games and qualify for a bowl game this season if Griffin can stay healthy. If not, another four win season (or worse) awaits.
Oklahoma State:
Biggest Strength: Running Game: Star running back Kendall Hunter looks to be back with a vengeance this fall running behind a truly massive offensive line (Average Weight: 315 pounds). That, combined with a deep stable of running backs and the fact the Cowboys have lead the Big 12 in rushing the last four season, bodes well for the running game as a whole. Biggest Question Mark: Defensive Front Seven: Defensive Coordinator Bill Young must replace nine starters on defense, and while the secondary is solid, the rest of the defense is not. The defense is very young and lacks any true standouts as of yet. Over the last two seasons, the Cowboys’ defense has had an average national ranking of 62nd. It could be even worse this year. Season Outlook: The rushing game will be fine but what else will be? Combine a very untested QB in Brandon Weeden and a young, inexperienced defense, and this Cowboys team might look to be a tender snack for the rest of the Big 12 on its way to heartier meals.
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BIG 12NORTH Nebraska Cornhuskers Nebraska Season Outlook: 99th. That’s the ranking that should concern Huskers fans the most as the excitement around the Blackshirts reaches a fevered pitch this season. 99th was the ranking of the offensive unit nationally last year. There are Pop Warner offenses with more explosiveness than the Big Red’s scheme. It will be up to returning Quarterback Zac Lee and the two-headed running game of Rex Burkhead and Roy Helu Jr. (combined 1493 rushing yard and 13 touchdowns
last season) to provide the dependability we saw flashes of in the 33-0 drubbing of Arizona in the Holiday Bowl last year. Then there is “The Peso,” — the quirky term for Nebraska’s 4-2-5 defensive alignment as it tries to counteract the more dangerous passing teams with a fifth defensive back who will do a little bit of everything. After trying it out last year, the formation proved to be so successful that the head coach Bill Pelini will make
it the norm. The versatility will be there to seamlessly move in and out of coverage. If Nebraska can run a competent offense that threatens to throw the ball occasionally, we may as well book tickets to the Big 12 Championship for them right now. Past that, it will be on the offense to provide great plays at the right times to preserve close wins over the likes of A&M and Texas in order to provide the Huskers with a BCS Bowl berth.
Missouri Season Outlook: After a year of transition, Blaine Gabbert and the Tigers offense should be more consistent in the running game and even more explosive in the pass attack. As always, defensive improvement is key in the North and an October 30th road game at Nebraska may determine the fate of the division. Kansas State Season Outlook: With Daniel Thomas at running back and a huge, experienced offensive line to run behind, the Wildcats will try to pound the ball down opponent’s throats on every down. The key may be improving the passing game ,which ranked dead-last in the pass happy Big 12 last season. If the Wildcats have to play from behind and rely on the pass, it could be a very long season for Coach Bill Snyder and Company. Iowa State Season Outlook: With a turnaround from a ten loss season to a bowl game victory under
his belt, Cyclones head coach Paul Rhodes looks to make further gains with the Big 12’s most improved team. The schedule is brutal, but the talent is set to offer an entertaining (if middling) season with dual-threat quarterback Austen Arnuad (561 yards rushing) and powerful runner Alexander Robinson (1,195 yards rushing). The Cyclones look to make it back to a bowl game in Rhodes’s second full season.
Colorado Season Outlook: This may be the last train ride for Buffaloes head coach Dan Hawkins, who has amassed a woeful 16-33 record in his four seasons with Colorado. Despite their coach channeling Sean Penn from “Dead Man Walking”, the Buffs take some hope in the fact that Tyler Hansen has benched Cody Hawkins for good at the quarterback position, and the receiving game is solid. Despite these tender shoots of hope, it will be a long season in Boulder as the schedule and the rest of the North division will adopt a take-no-prisoners attitude. There is always next year, Buffaloes fans.
Kansas Season Outlook: A lack of talent is what faces new head coach Turner Gill in Lawrence this season. The Jayhawks lost their heart and soul QB Todd Reesing to the NFL this offseason. Their returning QB corps has thrown a total of five passes between them. Good luck. Add to this a very thin front 7 on defense and Kansas fans should be pleased if Gill manages four wins this season.
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A SUPER SEASON?
by Bradford Harrison and Adam Sweeney
Why the Cowboys WON’T Make the Super Bowl Ever since the curse of thirteen straight seasons without a playoff win was broken by the Dallas Cowboys last season, the buzz had been growing This, coupled with a chance to play a Super Bowl at home in Cowboys Stadium, has Cowboy fans near manic with optimism. I hate to burst your bubble, Cowboy fans, but it’s not happening this year. Don’t get me wrong. The ‘Boys are definitely a playoff caliber team but locks for a Super Bowl? There’s a better chance that Jessica Simpson will take Tony Romo back. Here are five reasons why the Dallas Cowboys will fall short of the Super Bowl this year:
The Schedule: Dallas boasts the third hardest schedule in the NFL this year, playing top-flight teams like Green Bay,
Indianapolis, and Minnesota in brutal away-game contests, and still has to contend with an always competitive NFC East slate and the likes of conference top-dog New Orleans at home. Will the Cowboys have the stamina to stay focused and the luck to avoid the injury bug over a long NFL season? The odds are against them.
The Secondary: In close losses against elite passing teams last season, the Cowboys showed weakness in defending
short, quick passes as well as the deep throw. Both of the Cowboys cornerbacks, Terrence Newman and Mike Jenkins, are Pro Bowlers but the safety corps consists of Gerald Sensebaugh, who has fallen far short of the lofty expectations placed upon him in his one year with the Cowboys. Then there is Alan Ball, who will be a starter for the first time ever this season. That doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. If they run into the likes of Minnesota or New Orleans in the playoffs, will the secondary continue to struggle?
The Inexperience: Yes, the Wild Card victory over the Eagles in the first round of the playoffs last year was laudable, but one playoff victory in ten years does not turn you into to a clutch team. Does Dallas have leadership on both sides of the ball to face a truly tight situation and avoid debacles like Quarterback Tony Romo’s nightmare playoff game against Seattle in 2007? In fact, you can count the number of big games Tony Romo and friends have won on one hand. You have to win four big games to claim a Super Bowl title if you’re a Wild Card team. Could Dallas do that? My magic eight ball says “outlook doubtful.” That’s a smart eight ball. The Running Game: With the release of false-start king Flozell Adams, Doug Free now steps into the role of Romo’s blind-side protector. If he doesn’t rise above being merely competent it could be a long season for Romo and the Dallas stable of running backs comprised of the declining Marion Barber, the oft-injured Felix Jones, and playoff underachiever Tashard Choice. The Cowboys never seemed to have the right back in back for the right situation, which is the fault of… The Coaching Staff:
Has Jason Garrett proved to be anything but an unimaginative Offensive Coordinator? When will Wade Phillips learn how to pound the ball up the middle instead of throwing three times in a row on a goal line push? With the Cowboys ranked a mere pedestrian seventeenth in the NFL in red zone plays, the coaching staff must learn to break the uncreative shell they have worked in for so many years and use the enormously talented roster at their disposal in better ways. If the coaches haven’t learned by now there is little reason to believe that they will this season. Add all these factors together and you have a formula for the Cowboys staying at home crying, not holding up the Lombardi Trophy in Jerryworld. Image courtesy of James W. Smith
16 TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY
Tony Romo
Why the Cowboys WILL make the Super Bowl Being a Dallas Cowboys fan hasn’t been easy for the last thirteen years. We were spoiled by the triumvirate of Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. The championships in the 1990’s were followed by a journey to the dumpster. We have had nightmares less scary than remembering the Quincy Carter years. The Cowboys are about to make their fans’ dreams come true and have the biggest Super Bowl party in their backyard. Here’s why “America’s Team” is about to reclaim the NFL nation as their own.
The Art of Discipline: Any Cowboys fan knows that this team plays poorly
when they’re the favorite. For all the buzz surrounding Dallas they are still placed behind Minnesota and New Orleans as Super Bowl favorites, understandably so. They have three elements working in their favor. First, their schedule is daunting and won’t allow the team to lose sight of the opponent in front of them. Second, they are still licking their wounds in anger from the 34-3 beating they took from the Vikings in the playoffs. Pride is a wonderful motivator. Finally, Jerry Jones got with the program and removed head cases like Flozell Adams and Pac-Man Jones from the team in the last two seasons. The Cowboys are flowing with synergy and are now a disciplined, ambitious team out to earn respect.
Offensive Versatility:
Every skill position on the Cowboys offense rolls deep with talent. Some people think a three-headed backfield is an issue. They’re wrong. It offers a change in style of offensive schemes and can wear the defense down. Felix Jones and Tashard Choice will leave defensives gassed with their speed, and Marion Barber will come in to crush them in the fourth quarter. The addition of rookie sensation Dez Bryant at wide receiver will stretch the field and make it impossible to defend all areas of the Cowboys offense. Oh, and let’s not forget about Jason Witten. He’s pretty good too. You can’t name a deeper offense in football.
It Is Romo’s Time: The knock on Tony Romo has been that he can’t rise to the occasion in the biggest of games. Yes, we remember the debacle of the 2007 Wild Card game against Seattle and the choke job Dallas put on in 2008 against the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants. With that has come a learning curve for Romo and he is now on the rise. Almost every great quarterback has had to lose in the playoffs before they can get to the promised land. Romo broke the losing trend for Dallas last season. His confidence is at an all-time high and he will step up as the leader of a scary offense. The Real Big D in Dallas The Dallas offense has the media frothing at the mouth but the Cowboys’ defense is just as impressive. They led the NFC last season in points per game allowed, only surrendering 15.6. Only the New York Jets ranked better in the league. DeMarcus Ware gives opposing coaches headaches, Anthony Spencer is coming off a breakout season and the defensive fort is held down with vocal veterans like Keith Brooking. Their defense will always keep them in games.
Team Continuity: It is nearly impossible to keep a talented team together in
the era of free agency and yet that is what Dallas has done this season. Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, Leonard Davis and Anthony Spencer are all top line players that will contribute heavily this season. Familiarity breeds success and a nucleus that is in its prime can only mean good things for Dallas.
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BREAKINGthe HABIT Pop quiz. Name the only team in the National Football League that has yet to make the playoffs. If you guessed the Houston Texans, you get the grand prize of a limited edition David Carr jersey. There has been little to cheer about for the youngest franchise in the league up to this point. Luckily for the die hards in Houston, that is going to change. 2010 is the year that the Houston Texans get over the wall and venture into the unknown territory of the postseason.
By Adam Sweeney
What separates the 2010 Texans from their mold of the past is chemistry that has come from working together in multiple seasons. Bernard Pollard, the safety addition who came in last season, has become a vocal leader to a defense that is brimming with potential. Schaub has now taken control of the offense and his connection with Andre Johnson, who had 1,569 receiving yards and 101 receptions last season, is as close to ESP without landing them on the SyFy Channel. Mix in an improved offensive line that once used to dress collectively as the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man for Halloween and the offense looks to land in the top five.
NFL pundits picked the Texans to make the playoffs last season but they failed to live up to the hype, losing four straight games after starting the season 5-3. The team won four games in a row to finish the season but they carry a The variable which seems to be forgotten amongst the buyer beware stigma in 2010. Allow us to play the role of Texans’ mediocrity is luck. This is a team that has had the curse of being placed in the AFC South, consistently the stock broker and say that it’s time to buy low on Houston. toughest division in football. They lost two games last season Skeptics of this year’s Texans team draw on their regular by a total of two combined yards. Let me say that again. Two season schedule as the main reason that they will fall short yards. Add those two victories and the Texans would have of the playoffs. With a win percentage of .547 for their finished 11-5, good enough for a playoff berth. If the New opponents, tied only with the Tennessee Titans, the Texans Orleans Saints, who were the benchmark for playoff futility have arguably the toughest schedule in the league. However, for years, can win a Super Bowl then the Texans have to be strength of schedule is an often overrated stat. Talent on handed breaks by the football Gods at some point. teams fluctuates from year to year and an injury to a premiere player on an opposing team can spell doom for any of them. The biggest question mark exists on defense, where the The Texans know this all too well, as their star quarterback struggle to find a stellar pass rush and consistent secondary Matt Schaub has been seriously injured in two of the three coverage go hand in hand. All-Pro Mario Williams comes off seasons he played for them. Finally healthy in 2009, he led an injury riddled season that limited him to eight sacks in the league in passing with 4,770 yards. They also lost Pro 2009. To ease his pain, Connor Barwin will line up on the Bowl tight end Owen Daniels to a knee injury last season, other end to go with Antonio Smith on rushing downs. This will lessen the burden for rookie corner Kareem Jackson and which brought a critical void to their offense. an extremely raw core of cornerbacks. Give Jackson credit. The Texans’ achievement of finishing first in passing offense Though he has made mistakes in training camp, he has lined in 2009 was undercut by the sad state of their running game, up across the line from Andre Johnson without fear. He is which ranked 30th in the league. We can’t confirm it but we’re the type of player the Texans have longed for and serves as pretty sure Steve Slaton literally had butter on his hands. proof that the Texans are no longer drafting talent that is soft There is no other explanation for his fumble issues. Perhaps around the edges. he will get an endorsement deal with “I Can’t Believe it’s not Butter.” Because of his sophomore slump, Arian Foster has For eight years the Texans have been punished by the league been appointed as the heir to the dubious rushing throne. with bad luck, divisional foes like Peyton Manning and the Ben Tate was drafted out of Auburn in 2010 to offer a speedy Indianapolis Colts, and inexperience. With a fresh philosophy mix to Foster’s punishing run style but is lost for the season and a more considerable amount of time to gel than ever with a fractured fibia and torn ligaments. Still, there is no before, the Houston Texans are finally going to flip the coin reason to believe things will be as bad as in 2009. Texans and punish their opponents, earning their first playoff berth in fans everywhere are now putting dents into pieces of wood. franchise history.
2010 Houston Texans Preview 18 TEXAS SPORTS MONTHLY
Flying Under theRadar
By Steven Paul
With University of Texas football losing two of its top offensive players in Colt McCoy and jack of all trades offensive powerhouse Jordan Shipley, the Longhorns are looking for some newer faces to step up in critical offensive positions. September 5th, 2009: At a game everyone expected Texas to win, something a bit unexpected happened. #26 received the kickoff and carried it 89 yards for the touchdown. Who was this guy? Most people had never even seen him. That’s because this was not only his first college level game, it was his first play. The man in question? D.J. Monroe. A sophomore who was redshirted as a freshman, Monroe came out blazing in his first appearance for the Horns. Everyone who followed the dynamic 2009 Longhorn season can remember Monroe’s incredible debut. That was impressive but then he did it again. Against UTEP, Monroe completed a 91-yard return, which set a record for most kickoff returns for touchdowns in a single season and solidified his place in Texas’ impressive special teams corp. D.J. Monroe’s game is helped as an athlete who has been on both sides of the ball. Hailing from Angleton, Texas, Monroe put in his time as a cornerback, which seems to account for his ability to first read the defense and then break it apart. With the blocking support from his teammates, he established himself early on as a force to be reckoned with. In 2009, he ranked second nationally in kickoff return yardage with a remarkable 33.6 yards per carry. But that’s not all. In addition to his performance on special teams, Monroe has also shown himself to be capable as a running back, averaging 6.2 yards per carry, and with Texas’ unimpressive running game that statistic speaks volumes. With this evolving lineup, the question is posed; who will step up with Monroe to put points on the board? There’s Marquise Goodwin, an incredibly quick and adept athlete, but Monroe still averages more yards per return to Goodwin’s impressive 21 yards per carry on returns. It looks as if Mack Brown has found his man in Monroe. Let’s take a quick look at the numbers during Monroe’s first season:
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Appeared in eleven games, on special teams, as wide receiver, and running back. Had sixteen returns as a kickoff receiver for 537 yards. Rushed 143 yards as a running back. Totaled 680 all purpose yards thus far.
Aside from his spectacular performance on the field, Monroe has basically carried out his duties quietly, receiving just a fraction of the attention sophomore quarterback Garrett Gilbert has gotten. Unfortunately, Monroe did receive some unwanted attention when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. The charge was later dismissed, allowing him to finish out the 2009 season. Regardless of this event, which caused him to miss the three immediate games following Mack Brown’s decision to suspend him indefinitely, he was able to rack up thirty three rushing yards in the BCS Championship game against Alabama, a game in which Texas needed all the help it could get offensively with star quarterback Colt McCoy injured. How should Texas use Monroe’s talent? He’s been effective everywhere that he has been placed and performs under pressure. This is more than can be said for some of the more high profile offensive players on the team. In the case of Gilbert, his performance in the BCS Championship against Alabama is absolutely forgivable under the circumstances. But what about the Texas running game, which Mack Brown has said will be the primary offensive focus for the 2010 season? The tentative head of Texas’ running back corps, Foswhitt Whittaker only rushed for 212 yards in the 2009 season, compared with Monroe’s 143 yards. A simple explanation for this is that Texas was relying on McCoy’s passing talent instead of focusing on their rushing game, but this doesn’t make Texas‘ ground game any more impressive. The solution is for Texas to keep what’s worked well for them in the past intact, and focus on improving its ground game. Texas should rely on D.J. Monroe with the help of Marquise Goodwin and others on special teams, and pick and choose when to utilize Monroe’s other various talents sprinkled throughout the offense. Whatever Mack Brown decides to do, let’s hope everyone else wearing the Horns uniform follows D.J. Monroe’s quiet example.
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