NFC West

The Cowboys Lost Because It's Hard to Win With an Awful Defense and a Worse QB

One of the realities of the salary-cap era in the NFL is that flawed teams can still win Super Bowls. The 2011 Giants lost seven games. The 2012 Ravens lost six, as did the 2010 Packers and the 2007 Giants. If a team can do one thing really, really well, league-promoted parity gives that team a pun ... More >>

The Cowboys Are No Longer the Cowboys

It happened again. The Cowboys dominated the first two-thirds of a game, just as they did against Tennessee and Houston, and found themselves in a fistfight to the finish. This time it was against Seahawks in Seattle, a presumably impossible task, but the result was the same. The Cowboys won their f ... More >>

Why Memphis May Fire is Touring Right Before the New Album Comes Out

Replacing a lead singer is no easy feat. Just ask Matty Mullins. Born and raised outside of Seattle, Washington, Mullins became the second frontman for Dallas' own Memphis May Fire back in 2008. Since then, the band has continued to expand its fan base while maturing and incorporating new themes int ... More >>

Five Things to Know about Seattle's Famous Top Pot Doughnuts, Which Are Dallas-Bound

News broke recently that world-famous, Seattle-based doughnut maker Top Pot is expanding to Dallas this spring. This adds another notch in the city's budding doughnut fascination, which includes a handful of classic spots and newer, sleeker models like Hypnotic and Glazed Donut Works. Top Pot will ... More >>

"Teen Mystifier" John Tucker "Correctly" "Predicted" Super Bowl Score and MVP

Any creature can predict the winner of the Super Bowl. Those who have correctly done so include: an ape, a porcupine, a horde of puppies, a manatee, a seal, a panda, an octopus and a bunny. Add to that list the elusive "teen mystifier," a 17-year-old Dallas magician named John Tucker. Not only did ... More >>

The Terrifying Pre-Super Bowl Concussion That Scared the Hell Out of Troy Aikman

Troy Aikman's concussion in the third quarter of the 1994 NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers is now just a footnote on the team's march to a second consecutive Super Bowl victory, which itself gets lost in telling of the mid-'90s golden age of America's Team. Aikman's injury gets ... More >>

NFC/AFC Championships 2013: Predictions Based on The Football Albums

This weekend, the NFC and AFC Championship rounds will pit such heavyweights as the Baltimore Ravens against the Peyton Mannings, The Green Bay Packers against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Blinding Highlights against the Atlanta Falcons and a game I won't mention for obvious reasons. We're h ... More >>

Watch Cowboys Fan's Epic, Profanity-Filled Tirade Over Loss to Seahawks

Yesterday, still irrationally giddy from the beatdown their Seahawks delivered on Sunday ( I for one blame the replacement refs for Felix Jones' fumble on the opening kickoff. And the subsequent blocked punt. And the Romo interception right after. And -- oh screw it, the Cowboys blew.) , our colleag ... More >>

Seahawks 27, Cowboys 7: Thoughts on a Depressing Trip to Seattle

The Cowboys' 27-7 pasting at the hands of the Seahawks was about as brutal as the final score indicates. From the opening kickoff (literally!), Seattle simply played with a level of physicality that the Cowboys could not match. Every Dallas ball carrier was getting plowed, while Seahawks running b ... More >>

Did The Cowboys Remove Video of Illegal Contact at Practice? Was It Even Illegal? This Is Football, Right?

Seriously, NFL? First you ban the clothesline, then you move kickoffs to within field goal range, and now you're handing out sanctions because people are trying too hard? Some background: The league's collective bargaining agreement bans "contact work" in spring practices. Specifically, there's no ... More >>

Cowboys-49ers: Look Out Below!

​Okay, so the Cowboys were better than I expected in last week's NFL opener. But don't be fooled, the San Francisco 49ers weren't as good as it seems. Seems strange to be sniffing around an Under point-total play in a game between teams that scored a combined 57 in Week 1, but hear me out. W ... More >>

Listomania: The 15 Best NFL Team Anthems

​This whole "Super Bowl" thing has been pretty unavoidable this year -- and, for obvious reasons, infinitely more so in these parts than in years past. Then again, with media all over the place, thousands of out-of-town-guests, and an alleged 100,000 hookers (or not) converging in the metroplex ... More >>

Look Who's NOT Coming to Dallas for Super Bowl XLV

After a wildly entertaining weekend of the NFL playoffs, the following will not be playing in Arlington on February 6: *Michael Vick *Peyton Manning *Who Dat?! *The Dallas-born Kansas City Chiefs Despite intriguing story lines being buried, that was some damn skippy football. Three wins by ro ... More >>

Whitt's Merten's End: 12.31.10

One of Sports Pickle's best photos of 2010​It's been a fun two weeks, sports fans. Richie's back on Monday, but before I give him back his blog, here are some week-end thoughts before I go. *Sunday's Cowboys-Eagles game looks like it might be the first NFL start for Stephen McGee as Jon Kitna ... More >>

Same Crap, Different Coach: Jason Garrett Not the Answer as Cowboys Lose Winnable Game to Struggling Cards 27-26 and Fall to 5-10

Miles Austin caught six balls for 115 yards and a TD, but his slip-up turned into a defensive TD, and his post-game antics were embarrassing. ​If there ever was an easy win to be had this year for the Dallas Cowboys, last night's Christmas match-up with the Arizona Cardinals was it. Universi ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 15

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 14

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 13

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 11

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 10

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 7

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 6

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

Hey, Look, it's a UFO! No, Actually, it's an Even Weirder Sight: Mike Modano, Detroit Red Wing

​Hell hath officially frozen over. In Arlington, the Texas Rangers are still playing baseball. And in Dallas, Stars fans are now cheering for the Detroit Red Wings. Well, at least one of them. The Stars, off to a 2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 start or whatever the hell it is these days in the NHL, play ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 5

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a tradema ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 4

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings -- if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademark ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 3

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings - if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademarke ... More >>

2010 NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 2

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback ratings. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings - if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademarke ... More >>

Mike Modano: OUR Star Could Become THEIR Star

​After saying that he's 75-percent leaning toward not retiring and playing hockey again next season, all-time star of the Dallas Stars Mike Modano is now thinking the unthinkable - putting on the sweater of another team. Mike Modano, Detroit Red Wings? Criiiiiiiiiiinge. It's still a situ ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 9

​Like the BCS, style points count. So do geeky, black-and-white stats such as touchdowns and quarterback rating. Wins and losses? Definitely. Leadership? Uh-huh. When it comes to my weekly NFL Quarterback Rankings - if I had one of those little encircled R's to signify a trademarked ... More >>

Whitt's End: 4.3.09

Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Seems Highland Park-ex and potential No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick Matthew Stafford isn't comfortable talking with teams - specifically a psychologist for the San Francisco 49ers - about his parents' divo ... More >>

43 Observations About Super Bowl XLIII

Steelers 27, Cardinals 23: Best Super Bowl ever? Santonio Holmes' tip-toe TD: Best Super Bowl catch ever? The Boss: Best Super Bowl halftime show ever? Better late than never, I've got XLIII thoughts about Super Bowl 43: 43. Gotta make it snappy. My free Grand Slam at Denny's is calling. 4 ... More >>

Video of the Week: Super Bowl XLIII Edition

You like me, having trouble taking Super Bowl XLIII seriously? I mean, the Cardinals? The Arizona/Phoenix/St. Louis Cardinals?! I know, both teams beat the Cowboys, but neither feel "super." Just seems like another spare NFL game. This, sports fans, is what it would be like if the Clippers made the ... More >>

Whitt's End: 1.30.09

Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *The Cowboys fined Martellus Bennett one game check for an obscenity-laced and offensive rap video. Interesting to see what they'll do to Anthony Spencer, who actually broke the law and got arrested. * ... More >>

Mojito Bowl

Home Field Advantage

The 'Boys say farewell to Texas Stadium

Carving The Bird

You Betcha: Week 14

      If Boot Town can go out of business in Texas and if home builder D.R. Horton can lose $800 million and have its stock price shoot up because it's not that bad, then in this absurd, quirky financial climate anything's possible.   Even, perhaps, a winning streak? A ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 12

Not Tony Romo’s best day. But better than Brad Johnson. By a mile. Okay, I’ve got a long-distance, work-related field trip today so let’s get to it. Just for fun, let’s reveal ‘em in reverse order. Extrapolates the drama and all. Where you guys think Graham Harrell and Sam Brad ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 11

Okay Mr. $67 Million, let's see you build some Romomentum. To me, Sunday’s game at Washington is make-or-break for the Cowboys. It’s playoffs or implosion. They need Tony Romo to be at his substance-over-style best. People out at Valley Ranch are telling me that his little funk is over. ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 9

Hey, at least he's better than Brooks Bollinger. Or is he? Now that you’re with me on Brad Johnson -- you are with me, right? – would you rather see Brooks Bollinger try to guide the Cowboys to a win, or at least a touchdown, Sunday in New York while trying to climb out of my rankings’ cel ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 8

Toldja. Pacman is in rehab. Wade Phillips isn’t in limbo. The Cowboys are in trouble. Most importantly, Tony Romo’s pinkie is still in a cast. I’ve already sliced and diced Brad Johnson and the loss to the Rams. Let’s make this short and sweet: Romo plays Sunday or else Dallas h ... More >>

The Top (Bottom?) 10 Most Embarrassing Losses in Cowboys’ History

How low can you go? Bad. But just how bad? The St. Louis Rams, who entered with four offensive touchdowns in their first five games, scored three in Sunday's first quarter. The Cowboys, who entered with Super Bowl aspirations, produced botched snaps, missed field goals, eight penalties, four tu ... More >>

You Betcha: Week 7

The Cowboys have played five games. Sportatorium has made five losing bets. Oh and friggin’ five! Who, oh who, could feel my pain? Is there anyone? Anyone out there who can empathize with my futility? Wait … George Costanza, is that you? “It’s not working, Jerry. How did it all t ... More >>

NFL Quarterback Rankings: Week 4

Down. But certainly not out. It’s tough to demote a quarterback with five touchdowns, the NFL’s most 20 -yard passes and a 3-0 record. But it’s also tough to ignore Tony Romo’s Red Zone gaffes. Against Cleveland Romo threw an interception in the end zone. Against Philadelphia he trie ... More >>

NFL Preview: The Quarterbacks

No. 1 in Jessica's heart. No. 3 on my list. Not playing fantasy football for the first time in 20 years this fall has its consequences: More free time. More disposable income. Less contact with the geekdom subculture. But it also has me woefully unprepared for the NFL season, which techn ... More >>

Cards to Keep Cowboys Fans Out, While FC Dallas Gets an Olympian

FC Dallas's Dax McCarty A couple of sports notes this morning. First, out of Arizona comes word that the Cardinals are going to "Protect the Nest" this season by keeping Dallas Cowboys fans outta University of Phoenix Stadium. That is, if Cowboys fans -- who, historically, fill up Arizona games and ... More >>

No One Wants Eddie LeBaron's Balls

Someone call Norm Hitzges, pronto. A seller in Woodlake, California, is trying to unload a bunch of 1960 Dallas Cowboys artifacts -- including autographed footballs and programs, including one from a pre-season game against the Los Angeles Rams in Oregon. The lot's full of fascinating keepsakes -- i ... More >>

Let the Healing Begin

Yeah, yeah. Tony Romo muffed the field-goal hold. Whatever. The Seahawks woulda scored again anyway. And Romo still gets to wake up next to Carrie Underwood. You? An empty can of Coors Lite. Just know that it's going to get worse before it gets better: Romo: Built in a day, destroyed in a snap. Hear ... More >>

Sleepless in Seattle?

You know why the Cowboys should win? Because Seattle has Pete Hunter. Remember him? No? Lucky you. I know what you're expecting me to say. Something pessimistic yet clever, like, perhaps: Screw the anointing oil; get out the embalming fluid. Not today, Cowboys fans. The sun rose in the west, Dane Co ... More >>

Dream of the 'Pokes Fan

Granada shows some silver and blue hospitality