We Have Ourselves an Instant Classic

This time Witten kept his helmet on. And gave the Cowboys a late lead. Still 2:57 remaining, but the biggest play of the game just may be Donovan McNabb’s second-thought fumble. The Cowboys really haven’t had a clue of how to stop McNabb all night. But with his team leading…

Good News. Bad News. Part 2.

Good: Roy Williams is on the sideline without pads, courtesy of a bruised forearm. Bad: Cowboys have to settle for a 47-yard Nick Folk field goal after Jason Witten sorta short-armed a long pass from Tony Romo inside Philly’s 10. Eagles 37, Cowboys 34. 10:29 remaining. Far, far from done…

Double Facemask = Single Penalty

I know the officials missed an earlier facemask on the Cowboys. I know that if the Cowboys’ rush would contain Donovan McNabb none of it would matter. And I realize that I’m harping on the refs way more than usual. But this year there’s supposed to be an emphasis on…

Tony Giveth Away. Tony Taketh.

Tonight Tony Romo’s like a knuckleball pitcher in a game where his stuff is too good. Ya know? He’s been too excited. Throwing too hard. Trying to do too much. But he seems to be settling down and his effectiveness is trending up. His 17-yard strike to Marion Barber –…

Just Wondering

Where’s Patrick Crayton? In a game that’s featuring 54 points and catches by 14 different players, the Cowboys’ No. 2 receiver has 1 catch for 7 yards.– Richie Whitt…

Craziness Continued …

I’ll just say it, referee Terry McAulay and his crew suck. After a 60-yard punt by the Cowboys’ Mat McBriar results in a touchback, McAulay announces a 10-yard penalty on Philly. First and 10 from the 10 when we come back, right? The TV timeout is called and ESPN viewers…

Most Exciting First Half in Cowboys’ MNF History?

This thing’s making Hurricane Ike seem like a spring drizzle. Off the top of my head I don’t remember a crazier 30 minutes of prime-time football in this old building. *Felix Jones’ returns. *Two 60-plus-yard catches. *Romo’s double fumble for a score. *DeSean Jackson’s gaffe. *The refs blowing, by my…

Premature Exaltation

Roy Williams didn’t start. But it hasn’t kept him from putting his sorry stamp on the game. The Cowboys’ safety was beaten by Eagles rookie receiver DeSean Jackson by — what? — 10 yards on that 60-yard reception. Jackson, inexplicably, dropped the ball in celebration at the 1. But because…

Felix the Phat

Wow. To clarify my earlier prediction, I said rookie Felix Jones wouldn’t play a lot in passing situations. But good Lord, is he playing. A 98-yard kickoff return for a score. A 43-yarder to set up another touchdown. A 6-yard run on a slot reverse. And, to think, he had…

Oh No, Romo!

How’s this for a trifecta of terrible: *Tony Romo pulls off a David Blaine escape in the pocket, only to overthrow Miles Austin and have his pass intercepted to lead to an Eagles’ touchdown. *On the ensuing kickoff, returner Isaiah Stanback botches the ball and finally falls on it at…

So, What Did I Miss?

So, just at kickoff, the Internet in our Texas Stadium press box broke. Or something. Let’s catch up: *Cowboys’ fans started an “Eagles Suck!” chant before kickoff. Proud of you guys. Really. *Terence Newman did start after all. But so did Pacman. Roy Williams, notsamuch. Hmm. *Kicker Nick Folk’s kickoff…

The Inflatable Helmet Is Being Inflated

*Which means, of course, player introductions are here. It’s 76 degrees and gorgeous. The last season opener and the 28th and final Monday Night Football game in Texas Stadium history is upon us. And to think, I vividly remember when the pre-game entertainment consisted of nothing more than the stadium’s…

Keeping Up With the Joneses

On the back of the jerseys of Pacman Jones and Felix Jones: “Jones”. Not confusing to Cowboys’ fans. But don’t we usually differentiate identical last names with a first initial? Think Jerry Jones was too worried about what the photo-shoppers would’ve done with “F. Jones”? Don’t wanna go too far…

Terrell Owens: Role Model

T.O. vs. T.O. Cowboys’ receiver Terrell Owens will be on the cover of October’s Sports Illustrated. SI for Kids, that is. The special video game issue will feature T.O. and the Madden NFL ’09 version of T.O. interviewing each other. So, twice as nice? Or double trouble? — Richie Whitt…

Good News. Bad News.

The good: Cowboys cornerback Terence Newman is running around the field in warm-ups. Looks like he’ll play, but I bet he won’t start. The bad: Texas Stadium is blaring that annoying and — at least I thought — forgotten “Um-buh-rella-uh” song. Ay. Ay. Ay.– Richie Whitt…

Be Seated

Great for any media room. Or, for that matter, any room. Can’t help but be nostalgic as you walk around this ol’ joint before its final Monday Night Football game. My family had season tickets on the 8-yard line back when it opened in ’71. But, alas, we’re upon a…

Get Out Your Thesauresosesous

*Emmitt Smith is getting his sweaty brow dabbed from some ESPN underling. Apparently he’s about to provide some insight on the network’s pre-game show. Brace yourself. You’re about to endure one of the planet’s most unique translations of the English language. *Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb just jogged onto the field…

The Games Inside the Game

I think the post-game shows will center around a Cowboys’ blowout. As for the pre-game, ESPN will air a Jerry Jones-guided tour of his new Jonestown Coliseum. And halftime looks like it will be a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month, with mariachi dancers and, of course, the Cowboys’ cheerleaders. Expect…

Cue Journey

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has arrived safely. He just took the field in his long-sleeved white shirt and — surprise — backwards cap. You knew it was him when the stadium speakers started blaring Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”– Richie Whitt…

And Awaaaay We Go

You are looking live! At a mostly empty Texas Stadium! Check. Check. Testing. Sportatorium live blogging to commence in 3 … 2 … 1 … Parking lots: Packed. Stadium: Sparse. Field: Honestly, it’s uglier than ever. Old, dilapidated Texas Stadium will soon be a hole in the roof that becomes…

The ’Boys Will Be Boys Are Back

Jeff Pearlman’s book about the ’90s Cowboys may be better, but mine is, um, older? Don’t know if you’ve heard, but there’s a little tussle between a couple decent football teams at Texas Stadium in, oh, about nine hours. If you’re more intellectual ponderer than face-painter, I’ve got a heavy-reading…