The Dez Bryant Saga Continues...

Courtesy: ESPN.com

IRVING, Texas -- It didn't take long for wide receiver Dez Bryant to find out what it's like to be a first-round draft pick for the Dallas Cowboys. After his first practice at the club's rookie minicamp Friday, at least 40 reporters and cameramen formed a makeshift amphitheater around Bryant's locker.

The former Oklahoma State wide receiver has had plenty of preparation for the bright lights since he was one of the most scrutinized prospects in the entire 2010 draft class. But things were taken to a different level when Bryant recently told Yahoo! Sports columnist Michael Silver that he was asked during a pre-draft visit to the Dolphins whether his mother, Angela, was a prostitute.

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland was identified by Silver as the executive who asked the question and he's since been vilified on websites and radio stations across the country.

This morning, though, SI.com's Jim Trotter provided some details on what may have led to Ireland's controversial question. Here's the conversation from Trotter's report, which we've since confirmed through a league source:

Bryant: "My dad was a pimp."

Ireland: "What did your mom do [for a living]?"

Bryant: "She worked for my dad."

Ireland: "Your mom was a prostitute?"

Bryant: "No, she wasn't a prostitute."

On Thursday, Bryant told ESPN's Ed Werder that he never told Ireland that his father was a pimp. And when asked by reporters about the conversation that first appeared on SI.com on Friday, Bryant said, "No, that's a lie. I really don't want to speak on that."

Not your typical interview on the first day of rookie minicamp. Now we have two different versions of a conversation that took place between Ireland and Bryant. Trotter's story provides some more context to why Ireland may have asked such a charged question. Bryant basically says none of it's true.

But since two sides of the story have now been told, perhaps we can close the books on this saga. No matter what led up to that question, I'm sure Ireland would like to have a do-over on how he phrased it. Now, let's return to talking a little football.

I'll be back to talk about Bryant's first day on the field. It was a struggle conditioning-wise, but he certainly made some spectacular catches.

My Stand: The Dez Bryant Issue

“What do you want me to say, I’m sorry!” –Jay-Z

Yea, that’s how I feel right now. That’s the line Jay-Z opened with when he came out of retirement, breaking his promise not to come out of retirement. Yesterday I said I wouldn’t weigh in on the Dez Bryant issue, well after listening to former NFL player, Marcellus Wiley on ESPN Radio, I have a completely new stand, and I’m going to share it.

If you haven’t heard the news, you can read it here: http://bit.ly/9wljSm

Now in the past 36 hours, the vast majority or people who’ve weighed in have said one of two things; either “That’s over the line, and I hate it” or “If you’re investing millions of dollars into someone, you deserve to ask whatever you want”

I take neither.

Jeff Ireland is the protégé of Bill Parcels. Parcels literally made him promises and promises to get Ireland to leave the Cowboys franchise to come to Miami. I FULLY believe that Ireland asked that question because Bill Parcels asked him to, I’m pretty sure 99% of the people who read this (3 people) know that that’s not a stretch by any means.

The worst part about this is, Ireland apologized but gave no details on the context of how the question was asked, and the Miami organization is so secretive that they won’t either. Just leaves the media and public wondering what exactly took place. Some have already dismissed that it didn’t come out as straight forward as, “Is your mom a prostitute?”

I’m pretty sure it did.

Let’s get one thing straight here and now. We as morale human beings, by default, HATE thinking about our mom having sex of any kind. Especially guys, we can’t stand that very idea. We’d like to think she only had sex that one time for us to be born, then immediately stopped. So of course we hate this question.

It probably came out, just like it sounded.

Marcellus Wiley was a free agent in 2004 and was visiting the Dallas Cowboys where Bill Parcels, then the head coach of the Cowboys, sat in a room with him for an interview. Wiley described the interview on ESPN Radio, and said the first question that he asked was, “Do you do drugs?” Point blank, just asked it with no sugarcoating, no beating around the bush, nothing. Wiley continued and said that Parcels wasn’t even facing him during the question. Instead, he had his back turned and was writing on a chalk board.

Wiley notes that he indeed is from Compton, California. He has family members that does and sold drugs, which is most likely why Parcels asked that question. And the way it was asked is why I believe Ireland asked Dez Bryant in a similar manner. Bryant’s mom was indeed in prison for drug trafficking.

Wiley continued though, stating that he got to know Bill Parcels and Parcels told him that he doesn’t mold players, he molds men, he doesn’t want to fail another player by only helping them on the field, but helping them grow up.

Lawrence Taylor, former linebacker who played for Parcells in the late-80s and early-90s, became a drug addict late in his career. Not to mention Quincy Carter, who also use to play for Parcels, ended up being blackballed from the league after his drug addiction came to surface.

Wiley stated that Parcels feels responsible for both of them. And that’s why Parcels wanted to know if Wiley had any drug issues. He believes Parcels was asking, not to find a reason not to sign him to a contract, but rather to help him if need be.

Chris Carter, former NFL wideout called into ESPN Radio after hearing Wiley’s story and had even more to add to it. When Chris Carter was released from the Philadelphia Eagles in the late-80s, it became made public that Carter had a drug addiction. And who gave him a call? Bill Parcels. A person who until then had no reason to call him, nor any connection to him

Note: Those two are still friends to this date.

I fully believe that Parcels sent Ireland to ask that question, not to be an asshole, or to be rude, but to find out if Bryant had any issues. That way, if the Dolphins did draft him, that Parcels and the organization could help him and help him become a better man, not just a better player.

Also note that since that interview that Ireland had with Bryant, the Dolphins traded for Pro Bowl wideout, Brandon Marshall. A player that has an obvious troubled past and has yet to emotionally recover from the death of his good friend, Darrent Williams. So Bryant was most likely passed over by the Dolphins because they had another great player.

Do you think Parcels has already reached out to Marshall to help him? I think so.

So that’s where I stand. Maybe the question should’ve been more politically correct. But I believe in the good intentions of Bill Parcels, so I don’t have a problem with it at all.

Ware is "94 percent healthy"

Courtesy: nbcsports.com

Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware suffered injuries to his head, neck, back and wrist during the 2009 season, and he needed foot surgery after the season. But as he looks toward the 2010 season, he says he's getting close to completely healthy.

"I would never say 100 percent," Ware said, per Charean Williams of the Star-Telegram. "I would say 94 percent. The surgery went well after the season. I had a bone spur, and they just shaved it down. Now, everything is good."

Ware decided to play in the Pro Bowl despite the pain from the bone spur, which pushed back the surgery a few weeks. But he says he's now close enough that he thinks he can lead the league in sacks.

"I need to get that," Ware said of the NFL sack crown. "That's always a goal for me to get pressure on the quarterback."

DeAngelo Hall: "We're going to dominate the division"

DeAngelo Hall had some strong comments this week about his team’s ability this year.

Just now, I got your attention, cause you, and even you Redskin fans, know this might just sound stupid as hell.

And it is.

DeAngelo predicts the Skins will win 11-12 games this year.

"It's based on the talent we feel like we've got. "It's based on the improvements I feel like we've made. It's based on the scheme," Hall said. "The scheme alone is gonna give us four or five more wins. The games we lost by two, three points, we'll win those games, easy."

But wait…there’s more!

"We'll dominate our division, off of bringing Donovan McNabb in here, a guy who's dominated the division in the past," Hall said. "So that's just an educated guess. That's an educated guess, and I stand behind. I'll stand behind that. I'll fight and claw to try to make that happen."

I think it’s laughable to look at a schedule in April, and claim you’ll win X amount of games. I do believe you can look at a division though, and state who is the best team on paper…and the Skins are not it my friend.

Appreciate the confidence D.Hall, but until you learn how to cover, or stop being overpaid, you’re the last opinion on that roster that I’ll want to hear from.

Draft Recap

I don’t care who you are, how much you think you know about college or professional football, you CAN’T give draft grades until these players actually reach the field. Think I’m wrong? Check this out…

“Jamarcus Russel was the obvious pick here. A safe pick for Oakland due to his size and arm strength, a perfect fit for what Oakland is looking for in their offense this season.” –Adam Schefter, NFL.com, 2007

Now most football fans who watch the NFL Network and ESPN know that Schefter is the most connected guy in the NFL rumor mill. And as you can see, he was obviously wrong on his rating of Oakland’s first round selection in 2007.

By the way, it took me a lot of time to get that quote. Seems like the guys at nfl.com likes to hide their draft grades after the draft is over. Probably so bloggers like me won’t embarrass them in front of the three people who read this blog.

So I’m not going to give grades here, I don’t believe in them, they’re rarely accurate, and just a waste of time. But, I will break down the draft strategies around certain moves we saw over the weekend, which obviously gives you some insight of what certain NFC East teams are thinking of their team.

Washington Redskins take a gamble on high ceiling, not skill.

The Skins’ move to grab Trent Williams with their fourth overall pick is a bit of a risk in my opinion. Don’t get me wrong, it was a good pick and Williams is a great athlete for his size, and that’s why he was picked ahead of Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung.

Okung is the stronger of the two. He uses more brute strength to block defenders, rather than agility and ability to slide and move his feet. Okung is the finished product. He will start one day 1 for the Seattle Seahawks because has shown that he can bring it on the field.

Meanwhile, Williams is the potential star better of the two. Not today, but possibly over the course of time. Now, Williams is the more agile of the two, but when you compare him to Okung, Williams still has some catching up to do.

What that tells you is the Redskins are willing to wait a year or so for Williams to be the better tackle. It’s a risk, especially when you’re talking about protecting Donavan McNabb’s blind side. By the way, McNabb has only completed a full season, four times in his 11 year career, mainly due to injuries.

It’s a risk, and technically any draft pick is a risk, but that shows you the thought process of the new era in Washington.

New York goes Defense, but don’t get who they want

If you watched the draft live, or even watched it online at NFL.com, you saw the Oakland Raiders pick bring the crowd to an uproar. If you didn’t know, the NFL Draft is done in New York City, home of the Giants (well…sorta). Oakland was up for their pick…and they take: middle linebacker, Rolando McClain.

New York Giant fans are now allowed to be upset to a degree. But I must now remind you of the most important rule in the NFL Draft.

Draft Rule #1: Never show your hand.

For many football fans, they know for a fact that teams try over and over again to put out false information, false rumors, and anything else they could do to fool everyone. Not the Giants.

Weeks leading to the draft, it was obvious that the team from East Rutherford was eyeing Rolando McClain (as I also stated in my rankings blog). They made it obvious with the release of former starting middle linebacker, Antonio Pierce, and then never signing a replacement.

By the way, congrats to the Raiders for actually drafting a good player, and not just the fastest one available (sorry Darrius Heyword-Bey).

Then, out of seemingly nowhere, the Eagles traded up in the draft to steal defensive end, Brandon Graham, before the Giants would’ve taken him with their pick. Gotta love that division rivalry right?

The Giants were able to pick up Jason Pierre-Paul though, and if it wasn’t for his somewhat raw rush defense, might’ve been the best pass rusher in the draft. The Giants then continued to bulk up the defensive line, drafting a monstrous 328 pounder in Linval Joseph with their next pick.

It tells you that head coach Tom Coughlin and general manager Jerry Reese are still bitter with their defense’s performance in the ’09 season. And as the old cliché goes, games are won and loss in the trenches. So bulking the D-line makes a lot of sense. But I’m pretty sure that the team would’ve still loved for Rolando McClain to fill the glaring hole that’s still left in the middle of their defense.

Eagles fill many roster spots previous held by Veterans

The Eagles have gotten very young this offseason. The release of RB Brian Westbrook and OT Shawn Andrews created holes that needed to be filled. The signing of Mike Bell filled the RB spot, but Shawn Andrews’ replacement was never signed nor drafted. But outside of that, the Eagles walk away from the weekend feeling very successful in their draft.

As I stated earlier, the Eagles traded up for DE Brandon Graham, seemingly so he wouldn’t go to the Giants. Graham is the best pass rusher coming out of college, and the Eagles hope that his exceptional first-step quickness will translate into negative places against the offense.

With the “Donovan McNabb pick” the Eagles drafted Nate Allen, free safety out of South Florida. Allen displayed great ball-hawking skills in college, so much so that the Eagles are comfortable enough to ignore his lack of hitting power. Allen is a finesse player, much like a coverage cornerback, but the Eagles will trade in big hits for interceptions anyday.

The Eagles then filled spots all over the offense and defense with different players throughout the draft, moving up and down at will (They somehow managed to get four 4^th-round draft picks, pretty impressive). The Eagles drafted a total of 13 players in general manager Howie Roseman’s first draft

You can tell the Eagles were going for roster depth in this year’s draft. Outside of Graham and Allen, none of the other 11 rookies are obvious starters on either side of the ball. The Eagles know that they are chasing the Cowboys and Giants this season, and they are making good moves to help in the hunt.

Dallas gets high profile receiver, but that’s all

Many people knew that Dallas worked out Dez Bryant, and that Jerry Jones was interested in him, but not many people thought he’d fall so far, nor that The Cowboys would trade up to get him.

The move was very impressive, as Dallas didn’t have to give up much to move up those three spots. It was especially impressive since Dallas was able to use the 24^th overall pick on someone who was heralded as a top-10 talent.

Dallas was able to draft the best available player rather than the highest need on the team roster. And that’s something that many teams aren’t willing to do.

After the draft was said and done, Dallas still has holes at safety and kicker, and they seem very confident that those replacements are currently on the roster already…something I don’t believe is true.

Jerry Jones wanted to make a big splash in the draft, and he did. A pick in the first-round that was only overshadowed by the Broncos reaching and taking Tim Tebow (big mistake btw). Dallas needs answers at two spots that have killed them in the past, and unless something happens soon, they are no closer to the superbowl like they’d like to think.

Cowboys 2009 Class: The Redshirt class

By GERRY FRALEY / The Dallas Morning News

gfraley@dallasnews.com

IRVING – The Cowboys ended their work Saturday with appealing possibilities at offensive tackle and free safety from their draft class.

The 2009 draft class. The "redshirt class," according to owner-general manager Jerry Jones.

The Cowboys drafted 12 players a year ago, and it became a star-crossed bunch. Because of injuries and poor performance, the Cowboys had a league-high six draft picks who did not get on the field in the regular season. The other 31 teams had a combined 49 draft picks who did not get on the field.

It is too early to label 2009 a wasted draft for the Cowboys. In an ironic twist, the injuries that undermined the process last season could help those players this year.

Offensive tackle Robert Brewster and linebackers Stephen Hodge and Brandon Williams did not make it to the regular season because of injuries. Free safety Michael Hamlin was inactive for the first nine games because of a broken right wrist.

The Cowboys view them as rookies, with an asterisk. Only Hamlin received playing time, on special teams, but all four learned the physical and mental demands of NFL life. The NFL's version of a freshman redshirt year, a collegiate staple, puts them ahead of the game going into year two. They are stronger and should be wiser.

"The bottom line is we've got a redshirt draft class to go with this draft," Jones said. "I do think between that group and this group, we're going to see impact."

Of the four injured rookies, Hamlin has the best chance of receiving significant playing time this season.

The Cowboys have a glaring need for a free safety who generates takeaways. The Cowboys have not had an interception from the position in the last 28 games.

Takeaways were Hamlin's strength in college. In his final two seasons at Clemson, Hamlin had 10 interceptions in 26 games. Jones said he is eager to see more of Hamlin.

Alan Ball started four games at free safety last season and is the in-house leader at the position. Ball is also the club's lightest defensive back at 188 pounds, a liability at the position. Hamlin, up to 207 pounds in off-season workouts, better fits the physical profile of a free safety.

Hamlin "did a good job in the preseason but unfortunately got hurt and couldn't use but one hand," coach Wade Phillips said. "But he did practice and got a lot stronger."

In training camp, Hodge and Williams gave the Cowboys a hint of what they can do before incurring season-ending knee injuries. Williams showed the speed to be an outside pass rusher. Hodge, a safety at TCU, took to the move to inside linebacker.

Brewster is the great unknown. He could not practice because of a torn pectorals muscle, incurred in a pre-camp weight-lifting session.

When Brewster finally gets on the field, he will look like a different player. A doughy 320 pounds when drafted, Brewster has reworked his body through diligent work with strength and conditioning coach Joe Juraszek.

"It really hurt me to be out, because I had my dream of an opportunity to play in the NFL," Brewster said. "But I realized I couldn't let it eat me up. I had to make the best of it."

The Cowboys believe Brewster can play every offensive line spot but center and could someday be the left tackle. For now, they envision him as needed line depth. Redshirt freshmen take it one step at a time.

Breakdown of the Redskins' Schedule

Breakdown: It's not often that a 4-12 team lands three prime-time games and five on national television. But coach Mike Shanahan has made the Redskins relevant again. The Redskins will open the season by hosting the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, Sept. 12, on NBC. The only thing better would've been sending the Eagles to FedEx. But watching the Cowboys face a Redskins team that features quarterback Donovan McNabb is a pretty strong way to kick off the season. We'll find out immediately how much better the Skins are with McNabb and Shanahan.

But on Oct. 3, McNabb makes his highly anticipated return to Philadelphia. Something tells me the fans will give him a huge ovation before that game. The Redskins play four of their first six games at home, which should allow them to get off to a decent start. But hosting the Packers and Colts in back-to-back games in early October will be tough.

The Eagles, Redskins and Giants all received great bye weeks. Shanahan will have the Week 9 bye before the Eagles come to town. It's a pretty good scenario for the Redskins. The Redskins have the eighth toughest schedule in the league based on '09 records, but the schedule lays out pretty nicely in 2010. I just don't think they have a lot to complain about -- especially since they get the Colts, Packers and Vikings at home. I think the Redskins have the best schedule in the division. But now let's come up with something to complain about.

Complaint department: The other teams in the division don't have more than two sets of back-to-back road games. The Redskins weren't as fortunate. They travel to St. Louis and Philadelphia in Weeks 3 and 4. Then they have back-to-back road games in Chicago and Detroit in late October. The Skins will spend the Christmas holidays with back-to-back games in Arlington, Texas, and Jacksonville before hosting the Giants in Week 17. The Redskins only have back-to-back home games twice during the season. I don't think this is a huge complaint, but it's worth mentioning.

Facing Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers in back-to-back games in October won't be easy, but I see the Redskins emerging from the first six weeks with a 4-2 record. There, I said it.

Most-appealing matchup: It's not even close. That trip to Philly on Sunday, Oct. 3, will be one of the most anticipated games of the season. I may go ahead and book my flight. I think the second-best matchup might be that Dec. 19 game at Cowboys Stadium. The Redskins in a meaningful December game? It could happen.

Redskins Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, Dallas, 8:20 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, Houston, 4:15 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, at St. Louis, 4:05 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3, at Philadelphia, 4:15 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, Green Bay, 1:00 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, Indianapolis, 8:20 PM
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24, at Chicago, 1:00 PM
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31, at Detroit, 1:00 PM
Week 9: BYE
Week 10: Monday, Nov. 15, Philadelphia, 8:30 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, at Tennessee, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, Minnesota, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5, at NY Giants, 1:00 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, Tampa Bay, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, at Dallas, 1:00 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, NY Giants, 1:00 PM

Breakdown of the Eagles' schedule

Breakdown: Let's be honest. There's only one game everyone is focused on. Donovan McNabb and the Washington Redskins visit the Linc on Sunday, Oct. 3. That will be one of eight nationally televised games for the Eagles. It's a 4:15 p.m. ET game on Fox. It's the only NFC East opponent the Eagles face until Week 10, when they will travel to play the Redskins on ESPN's "Monday Night Football." It's almost like the league wanted to feature these two games before the Eagles moved on to the rest of their schedule.

Like the other NFC East teams, the Eagles will face a brutal December. There are back-to-back road games against the Cowboys and Giants on Dec. 12 and 19. And that Cowboys game is on Sunday night. It seems like all the NFC East matchups are on prime time this season. Andy Reid has to like the Week 8 bye. It comes before playing the Colts at the Linc and an emotional trip to Washington. It's honestly the perfect time for the bye.

Complaint department: You never want to send an inexperienced quarterback on the road for two weeks early in a season, but you could do worse than trips to Detroit and Jacksonville. It's good to have the first McNabb reunion in early October. You don't want to backload that matchup because everyone would obsess about it too much. The week after that first matchup against the Skins, the Eagles have to travel across the country to play the 49ers. That's an NBC night game Oct. 10. And quite honestly, it seems like an odd prime-time matchup.

The Eagles have back-to-back NFC games on two separate occasions. That back-to-back at Cowboys Stadium and New Meadowlands Stadium is a brutal way to spend the weeks leading up to Christmas. It's great that the league has decided to have a home-and-home series between the Cowboys and Eagles in Week 17. It's a very nice little tradition and I'd have no problem with it continuing.

Most-appealing matchup: This schedule is all about the Oct. 3 game against the Skins. Sending McNabb to the Linc on a nice evening in early October seems perfect to me. You don't want to wait too long for it to happen. You think Fox is OK with that matchup? Probably so.

Eagles Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, Green Bay, 4:15 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, at Detroit, 1:00 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, at Jacksonville, 4:05 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3, Washington, 4:15 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, at San Francisco, 8:20 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, Atlanta, 1:00 PM
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24, at Tennessee, 1:00 PM
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, Indianapolis, 4:15 PM
Week 10: Monday, Nov. 15, at Washington, 8:30 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, NY Giants, 8:20 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, at Chicago, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Thursday, Dec. 2, Houston, 8:20 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, at Dallas, 8:20 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, at NY Giants, 1:00 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, Minnesota, 1:00 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, Dallas, 1:00 PM

Breakdown of NY Giants Schedule

Breakdown: The New York Giants have the seventh toughest schedule in the league, but they have to like the way it lays out. The only back-to-back road games -- there's a bye in the middle of the other one -- comes at the end of the season. The Giants will finish with road games at the Green Bay Packers and the Washington Redskins.

It's pretty impressive that a team that finished third in the division scored four prime-time games. It's pretty interesting that the Giants don't play a division opponent until Week 7. That's when they travel to Cowboys Stadium and play on ESPN's "Monday Night Football." It will mark the fourth straight season the two teams have played a night game in North Texas.

Since the Carolina Panthers closed Giants Stadium down with a beatdown, it's fitting that they'll travel to New Meadowlands Stadium in Week 1. That's a 1 p.m. ET game. I would have preferred seeing the Philadelphia Eagles open the new stadium. The Giants' first prime-time game comes in Week 2 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. That's an NBC game and it's probably good to go ahead and get Manning vs. Manning out of the way early.

Coach Tom Coughlin hates the early bye, so I'm sure he's very pleased about the Week 8 draw. That will allow the Giants to recover from a big road game at Cowboys Stadium before they travel across the country to play the Seattle Seahawks.

Complaint Dept.: We've seen what happens when the Giants back load their schedule with division opponents. I'm not sure it's a great thing to only play one division game in the first nine weeks. I don't see a ton to complain about because the Giants don't have to stay on the road for long periods of time. But that's a brutal December, just like what the Cowboys drew. They open the month by hosting the Redskins and then they close the season on the road against Washington.

I know the league was trying to make the last two weeks more meaningful, but they may end up making us wait too long for some of the marquee games. Other than the trip to Indy, there's really not a great matchup until Monday, Oct. 25, when the Giants play Dallas on the road.

I just keep going back to that December stretch. You have the Minnesota Vikings and Packers sprinkled in between three division games.

Most-appealing matchup: Maybe the Redskins will have faded by Dec. 5, but I still think Donovan McNabb coming to New Meadowlands Stadium will be pretty special. I like Eli vs. Peyton in Week 2, but for whatever reason, seeing McNabb roll into the Meadowlands in Burgundy and Gold is very appealing to me. It's a real downer that the league sent the Panthers to open the new stadium. I'm sure most Giants fans were hoping for the Cowboys to arrive.

Giants Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)
Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, Carolina, 1:00 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, at Indianapolis, 8:20 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, Tennessee, 1:00 PM
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3, Chicago, 8:20 PM
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, at Houston, 1:00 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, Detroit, 1:00 PM
Week 7: Monday, Oct. 25, at Dallas, 8:30 PM
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, at Seattle, 4:05 PM
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14, Dallas, 4:15 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, at Philadelphia, 8:20 PM
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5, Washington, 1:00 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, at Minnesota, 1:00 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, Philadelphia, 1:00 PM
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, at Green Bay, 4:15 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, at Washington, 1:00 PM

Breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys Schedule

Breakdown: The Cowboys have five primetime games and will play on the road against the Cardinals on Christmas night. They open against Donovan McNabb and the Redskins at FedEx on Sunday, Sept. 12, on NBC. That is one of the most attractive opening-week matchups I can remember.

The Cowboys only have back-to-back games on the road twice this season. We already knew the Cowboys were going to have one of the toughest schedules in the league, but a brutal finishing stretch makes it even tougher. The Thanksgiving Day game will feature the defending Super Bowl champion Saints coming to Cowboys Stadium.

The Cowboys finally played better in December in '09, but it will be even tougher this season. It's a stretch that begins with the AFC champion Colts and includes three division games. You'd be hard-pressed to find a tougher schedule in the league.

Complaint department: Well, as we've already said, the Cowboys will be on the road for Christmas Day. That game will be on the NFL Network. I'm sure every Cowboys player (and their families) groaned after seeing that game. The aforementioned December stretch would be the biggest complaint for the Cowboys, though. You travel to Indianapolis to begin things Dec. 5 and then you host back-to-back games against the Eagles and Redskins.

After the Christmas game, you close on the road in Philly. The NFL schedule czar must laugh every time he gets to this matchup. This is the third straight season, so it looks like we've established a tradition. It's unbelievable that the Cowboys won't see the Eagles until December. How tough is that assignment? We'll have to see how Kevin Kolb starts out to answer that question. I'm sure the Cowboys hate having a bye in Week 4. You'd rather have that about two or three weeks later.

Most-appealing matchup: I love the opener against the Redskins, but the Saints Thanksgiving game is the most appealing in my book. Sending the Raiders to Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving was an absolute joke. Both of these teams should be in the Super Bowl conversation in 2010. It will also be interesting to see how the Cowboys fare in back-to-back road games against the Packers and Giants in November. That's a pretty salty two-week stretch.

Cowboys Regular Season Schedule
Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, at Washington, 8:20 PM
Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, Chicago, 1:00 PM
Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, at Houston, 1:00 PM
Week 4: BYE
Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, Tennessee, 4:15 PM
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, at Minnesota, 4:15 PM
Week 7: Monday, Oct. 25, NY Giants, 8:30 PM
Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31, Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, at Green Bay, 8:20 PM
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 14, at NY Giants, 4:15 PM
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, Detroit, 1:00 PM
Week 12: Thursday, Nov. 25, New Orleans, 4:15 PM
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5, at Indianapolis, 4:15 PM
Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, Philadelphia, 8:20 PM
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, Washington, 1:00 PM
Week 16: Saturday, Dec. 25, at Arizona, 7:30 PM
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, at Philadelphia, 1:00 PM

Redskins land Former 1st-round Defensive Lineman, Carriker from Rams

The St. Louis Rams have shipped defensive lineman Adam Carriker to the Washington Redskins.

Adam Schefter reported the trade on ESPN. The Redskins acquired Carriker for the low, low price of a move down 28 spots in the fifth round, according to Schefter. That's it.

Still, the trade -- like Monday's acquisition of Howard Green -- is yet another sign that the Redskins are seeking to beef up their defensive line, which could be a sign that they would like to deal Haynesworth.

Carriker started all 16 games as a rookie after the Rams chose him in the first round of the 2007 draft, but he started only nine games in 2008 and missed the entire 2009 season after suffering a serious shoulder injury.

Will Jerry draft Dez Bryant??

Could a free-falling Dez Bryant be too much for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to resist?

Dez Bryant is available later in the first round, the Cowboys could be one team to make a play for him.

In talking to scouts around the league and perusing dozens of mock drafts, it's pretty clear that Oklahoma State's Dez Bryant is the top wide receiver in this draft. But for a variety of reasons, a lot of folks have him falling into the 20s in Thursday's first round. Most scouts I've visited with agree that Bryant is essentially a "good kid."

It's annoying to hear folks talk about "character" issues and then not back it up with anything of substance. We all know about Bryant's harsh punishment for not being truthful with the NCAA about a meeting with Deion Sanders. But I don't think that's what is causing his stock to drop. He's represented by the same agent, Eugene Parker, as 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. And you'll recall that Crabtree didn't exactly have a smooth entry into the league. Crabtree's uncle, David Wells, was very involved in that process. Wells is now advising Bryant. After watching what happened with Crabtree last season, you can see why teams might be leery of Bryant early in the draft.

That said, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has met with Bryant and he's very familiar with both Parker and Wells. If Bryant slips into the 20s -- as many mock drafts are now suggesting -- Jones could make a play for him. Some draft gurus (Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News for one) even have Bryant slipping all the way to the Cowboys at No. 27. If that happens, I'm almost certain the Cowboys would select him. But also keep in mind that the Ravens are sitting at No. 25. Something tells me they'll want to see what the Cowboys are willing to give up for Bryant.

I think Bryant might be the most compelling player in the first round. Don't be surprised if the Cowboys take the story to the next level.

McNabb wants TO in Washington.

Washington Redskins quarterback Donovan McNabb has encouraged the team's coaching staff to consider signing free agent wide receiver Terrell Owens, despite the acrimony that marked their time as Philadelphia Eagles teammates, according to multiple sources.

Coach Mike Shanahan told Werder that the Redskins are not actively pursuing Owens. A team source said the Redskins have made upgrading their wide receiver position a high priority, but prefer to avoid bringing Owens into their locker room if another solution can be found.

A source close to McNabb told Paolantonio that McNabb and Owens recently talked about the possibility of reuniting while recently shooting an episode for a television show in Los Angeles. The "Pros v. Joes" episode features McNabb and Owens playing together on the same basketball team. The episode is scheduled to air in July on Spike.

Whatever potential there is for a McNabb-Owens reunion would serve to further heighten interest in the two regular-season games between the NFC East rival Redskins and Eagles this season. At their pinnacle, McNabb and Owens were Super Bowl teammates; in the end, Owens hinted vaguely that McNabb suffered a failure of nerve that cost Philadelphia a Super Bowl ring and suggested the quarterback contributed to the Eagles releasing him.

Owens spent the 2009 season with the Buffalo Bills, the fourth team of his NFL career, finishing with the worst stats of his career as a starter. While Owens is widely viewed as a player in decline, Shanahan's first minicamp with the Redskins provided some insight into the Redskins' concerns at that position. Veterans Jerry Porter and Marques Hagans participated, and the team on Monday signed Hagans and Roydell Williams, who hasn't played since 2007 with the Tennessee Titans.

The Redskins are a four-win team with limited resources to acquire talent in this week's NFL draft. Trading a second-round pick to the NFC East rival Eagles for McNabb left the Redskins with an NFL-low four picks.

The Redskins have the No. 4 overall pick on Thursday, and Shanahan and Redskins general manager Bruce Allen will have to get creative to improve their roster. There is potential for the team to trade the fourth pick, defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth and former starting quarterback Jason Campbell, which could open the door for them to sign Owens.

Ed Werder is an ESPN NFL reporter. ESPN reporter Sal Paolantonio and ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen contributed to this report.

Eagles land Ernie Sims in 3-way Trade

The Eagles have landed former Lions linebacker Ernie Sims in a three-way trade with Detroit and Denver, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Philadelphia traded a fifth-round pick (No. 137) in this week's draft to the Broncos, according to the club. The Broncos traded tight end Tony Scheffler and a seventh-round pick to the Detroit Lions.

Sims, the ninth overall pick in the '06 draft, will visit with reporters via conference call at 12:45 p.m. ET.

"Ernie Sims is an impact player at the linebacker position," said coach Andy Reid in a news release. "He brings a lot of energy to our already energized defense. We are looking forward to adding him to our team."

With Stewart Bradley returning to middle linebacker, Sims will likely compete for a starting job at one of the other two spots. Sims started 59 games for the Lions and he had 2.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. He only started eight games for the Lions last season, in part, because of a shoulder injury. But he also lost his spot because a younger player named DeAndre Levy was more productive than Sims.

The Eagles are hoping that the 25-year-old can revive his career in Philly. Sims was a team captain and he's considered an excellent leader. Obviously, the Eagles are in search of leaders with the departures of Brian Westbrook and Donovan McNabb. We'll see what Sims has to say about where he fits into Sean McDermott's defense.

It is good to see the Eagles are reading the NFC Beast blog, as I stated last week that they needed help at linebacker....come on, did you think I wasn't going to pat myself on the back for that one?

NFC East Mock Draft according to ESPN Radio

In case you missed it Saturday afternoon on ESPN Radio, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay delivered a rapid-fire mock draft in which McShay selected the odd number picks and Kiper took care of the evens. This exercise is a lot closer to what teams will be doing in draft sessions next week.

Forced to make picks in a matter of seconds, Kiper and McShay produced a fairly intriguing first round. Let's take a look at what happened in the NFC East:

4. Washington Redskins -- OT Russell Okung, Oklahoma State: Not a big surprise here. Most mock drafters should nail the first four picks. It should be noted though, that the Skins have a very interesting pick, as if they don't take Okung, and take, lets say, C.J. Spiller, then the rest of the draft is going to be shaken up tremendously.

15. New York Giants -- DT Dan Williams, Tennessee: The Broncos took linebacker Rolando McClain at No. 11 in McShay and Kiper's rapid-fire mock. And the Giants passed up the best cornerback in the draft in Joe Haden. But Williams actually provides great value at 15. Tremendous player against the run and also has a nice bull-rush. Rocky Bernard was awful last season and Chris Canty couldn't get on the field. It's the right pick -- if Williams is there.

24. Philadelphia Eagles -- C/G Maurkice Pouncey, Florida: Kiper sounded a little flustered about taking Pouncey here, but he likes the value. Pouncey is the best center in the draft. The only downside is that players such as Dan Williams can move him off the ball at times. The Eagles could have taken Missouri linebacker Sean Weatherspoon or USC safety Taylor Mays. But Mays inexplicably falls out of the first round in this mock draft.

27. Dallas Cowboys -- OT Charles Brown, USC: I think Brown's a definite possibility at this spot, but the Cowboys will be hoping that a team behind them wants to trade up for Brown or Mays. But if Dez Bryant slides all the way to No. 25 -- as Kiper suggested -- Jerry Jones will be tempted to go after him. And I wouldn't blame him. Bryant is by far the best wide receiver in the draft. To have a shot at him in the 20s is too much to pass up. I realize there are character concerns related to his '09 suspension, but the Cowboys have shown a lot of interest in Bryant throughout the scouting process. If Bryant goes into free-fall mode, look for Jones to offer him a lifeline. Kiper says the Ravens will take him at No. 25. But that might be wishful thinking for a Ravens season-ticket holder.

Skins May Already Regrett the McNabb Trade

By now, you’ve all heard about the McNabb trade, sending the ex-Eagle to Washington for a second-round draft pick, and another pick to be decided later (either a third or fourth). But, did the Redskins pull the trigger on the trade far too soon?

Yesterday, NFL.Com’s insider, Jason La Canfora reported that the Steelers have internally discussed trading Ben Roethlisberger. According to Jason, the Steelers organization is dismayed and embarrassed by Roethlisberger’s actions as of late and finds his string of off-field behavior very troubling. As you could imagine, the team has been monitoring the public backlash against Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger has met with both NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as Steelers officials about the incidents, and as of this date, has yet to hand down a punishment of any kind.

Ben Roethlisberger has a large contract, especially counting his bonus. But in an uncapped year, the Steelers would be able to pay off the remainder of his bonus, and still get a good trade offer from teams around the league that are in need of a high caliber quarterback like Big Ben.

One of those teams would’ve been the Redskins had they not traded for McNabb a couple weeks ago. Before that trade, the Redskins were expected to use their fourth overall draft pick in this year’s draft on one of the top prospect quarterbacks.

It’s safe to say, that given the right offer, the Redskins would rather traded for Ben Roethlisberger rather than Donovan McNabb who is five years his senior.

But at what price would Roethlisberger came with?

It’s reasonable to believe that the Steelers would’ve requested a first round draft pick for the two-time Super Bowl champion. A pick that Washington would’ve been able to fork over willingly rather than giving up two picks for a quarterback who is known for NOT winning the big game.

Given the fact that Ben still has a large sum of money left on his yearly contract wouldn’t have scared away Washington, as they would’ve had to pay a fourth overall draft pick similar money. So why not give it to a player who’s already shown his worth in the NFL?

The Steelers have yet to respond to the trade rumors, but if they are true, then the ‘Skins are regretting trading for McNabb already.

Cowboys vs Skins: An Internal Conflict

The smell of pizza and beer was in the air for the Sunday and Monday night events that had all of my father's friends over. This was a special time in my child hood because it always made me feel like one of the guys, even though at that age I couldn't even fully explain the game that I would truly come to love, or the moral dilemma in friends when they would come to realize that I was a diehard fan of two of football's most rivaled franchises.

When you are a child there are many influences on your life, yet none more so then your parents and the people you grow up with. Growing up I believed in everything that my father said - such as Dominos has the best pizza, Terminator 2 is the greatest movie of all time, and that if you didn't root for the Cowboys, then you were a traitor to all that was good and holy. This was beaten into my head and became a part of me that I can't let go of. However, there was only one problem - I grew up.

The last time the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl was when I was nine years old. Three years later my father left and I haven't seen or heard much from either the team or my father since. I still have many of the child jerseys that were bought for me sitting in a box in the attic. They have names stitched in the back with the likes of Aikman, Smith, Irvin, and Sanders. Although those names still ring a bell, I can hardly recall them as much as I can with Romo, Williams, Simpson (yes, Jessica Simpson), Gurode, Austin, and Witten among many others of the last few years.

You may think that I am being crazy, but being blown out of a playoff contention game by the Eagles two years ago and then being destroyed by the Vikings with a previously two-time retired QB this year in the playoffs really doesn't sit well with me. When all I seem to remember a couple years ago was all the botched kick holds by a young and more then competent QB starter (sorry Romo - Jessica isn't an excuse anymore), it really doesn't help my perception of a team that I was told I was to love by a father that seemed to be pretending about love and faith in the first place.

When the family relocated (without my father) to the Northern Virginia when I was fourteen is how I was introduced to the world of the Washington Redskins and the rush of standing in FedEx Field. Having never been to a stadium, it was the first time I was able to see firsthand just how passionate and driven true football fans were to the game. I was taken by a man who would come to marry my mother and to this day is still a huge influence on my life. It wasn't a bonding experience of step-father and step-son; but he showed me the ropes and taught me about salary caps and how coaches can be dropped and rehired just like the players they are coaching (Spurrier, Schottenheimer, and Gibbs). His favorite movie was The Godfather, and he wasn't a huge fan of pizza; instead he prefered a good burger and fries while he was watching his games.

I am now twenty-two years old, and can say without a doubt that I am a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan, and that is only equally matched with my love for the Washington Redskins. Most people look at me and say that is 'impossible' or maybe I don't understand the 'rules' of liking one over the other. Everyone has influences that chart the course of their lives. My favorite movie is No Country for Old Men; I love pizza and occasionally a Five Guys burger. I will always cheer for the Cowboys and 'Skins; because I grew up with one, and chose another - both through different influences for the love of the game of football.

Rivalry Series; Eagles vs. Cowboys

The NFC East is known for a lot of things. They have a history of success with nine Superbowl championships between the four teams. The games have been some of the most intense and exciting games that any fan, of any team would enjoy watching. But maybe more than any other division, they have some of the most storied rivalries. Today we start the rivalry series, breaking down memorable moments in the Eagles/Cowboys rivalry…

As an on school fan off WWF/WWE wrestling, I've noticed that a lot of their phrases and lines work very well when describing football.

Any 1990s wrestling fans know, whenever "Stone Cold" Steve Austin walked down that ramp, you would hear Jim Ross simply state, "Business is about to pick up!"

That's how I feel when I see the Cowboys and Eagles about to kickoff.

For those of who who’ve followed these games, you know the feeling. That feeling that you’re unsure what exactly is about to take place. But whatever it is, you know it’s about to be big.

These two have had historic games against one another. From accused bounties on players, to injuries that caused the collapse of a dynasty, there are games that will forever be etched in the minds of Cowboy fans, Eagle fans, and football fans alike.

As of this writing, the Cowboys hold the record over the Eagles with 55 wins, and 43 losses (including playoffs). Below are just a few moments to think about in their epic rivalry:

Controversy

Buddy's Revenge (1987): Fuming over Tom Landry's decision to run a reverse in the Cowboys' 41-22 blowout win two weeks earlier, Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan retaliated near the end of Philadelphia's victory at the Vet. Leading comfortably 30-20, quarterback Randal Cunningham intentionally ran up the score by faking a third consecutive kneel-down and firing a touchdown pass in the final minute.

Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips, then serving as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, found no humor in Ryan's tricks.

"You know, I've never coached that way," Phillips said last year. "No offense to Buddy, but I didn't think it was right."

Asked if he confronted Ryan after the game, Phillips said, "Yeah. He didn't care."

Bounty Bowl I and II (1989): In yet another notorious moment for Ryan, Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson accused him of placing a 'bounty' on Cowboys kicker Luis Zendejas and rookie quarterback Troy Aikman on Thanksgiving Day.

Zendejas suffered a concussion when Eagles linebacker Jessie Small crushed him on a kickoff. Two weeks later, Eagles fans tossed snowballs and beers at Johnson following Philly's 20-10 victory at the Vet. Nothing like a little holiday cheer.

Irvin's Injury (1999): The rivalry's lowest point: Some merciless cheering from Eagles fans as Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin lay motionless on the Vet turf after suffering a spinal cord injury that would ultimately end his career.

The Cowboys lost that game, then three of the next four en route to an 8-8 season in Chan Gailey's last as head coach. Diagnosed with cervical stenosis (narrow spinal column), Irvin officially retired the following July. "The Playmaker" was inducted into the Cowboys' Ring of Honor in 2005 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

T.O.'s Return (2006): Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens received little brotherly love from the Philly faithful six months after the Eagles released him, ending his long-standing feud with quarterback Donovan McNabb and the organization.

Owens was held to three catches for 45 yards and the Eagles sealed their 38-24 victory on Drew Bledsoe's last-minute interception which cornerback Lito Sheppard returned 102 yards for a score. The miscue foreshadowed Tony Romo's eventual promotion; Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells benched Bledsoe for good two weeks later following another forced interception.

Late-Game Suspense

Woody's Pick (1994): Darren Woodson ended Philly's last-minute, potential game-winning drive with a 94-yard interception for a touchdown.

The defending Super Bowl champs escaped the Vet with a 31-19 victory and improved to 11-2. Their bid for a three-peat ended with an NFC Championship loss to quarterback Steve Young and the 49ers two months later, however.

Load Left (1995): Sitting in field goal range with a tie score (17-17), Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer called two straight unsuccessful short-yardage plays in the final minute. The Eagles stuffed Emmitt Smith on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1, regained possession in Cowboys territory and kicked the game-winning field goal.

"The whole world knew we were going to run that play," Newton recalled. "You talk about a bitter taste in your mouth. That really got us going for the rest of the year because we wanted people to know that that ain't the team you saw."

The Cowboys didn't lose another game that year. They crushed Philly in the divisional round, got past Brett Favre's Packers in the conference title game and then beat Pittsburgh to claim their third Super Bowl in four years.

Hutton's Folly (1997): With the Cowboys leading 21-20, Eagles punter Tom Hutton dropped the potential game-winning field goal snap and was tackled while trying to run with the ball.

The Cowboys had erased a 20-9 deficit earlier in the game and survived to win their second game in Switzer's last season.

Roy's Woody Impression (2005): The Cowboys won a Monday night nail-biter, 21-20, with another safety's last-minute interception for a touchdown.

This time Roy Williams picked off Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb with 2:43 remaining and ran 46 yards untouched for the game-winning score.

Unforgettable Plays

The Longest 14 Seconds (2004): McNabb redefined the term "pocket presence" in a Monday night blowout victory over the Cowboys. He eluded Dallas defenders for 14 seconds before rifling a 60-yard completion to Freddie Mitchell that led to an Eagles score.

Owens, playing for the eventual NFC Champion Eagles, caught six passes for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Philly rolled at Texas Stadium, 49-21.

No Helmet, No Problem (2007): In 20 years, Witten's career might be encapsulated in one indelible image - his hat-less, nose-bloodied, 53-yard catch and run at the Linc after absorbing a nasty hit that sent his helmet skittering across the field.

Witten finished with three catches for 77 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown to give him 19 career scores, tying Butch Johnson for the 11th-most in club history. He passed Tony Dorsett (3,432) for 10th place on the club's all-time receiving yards list.

And the Cowboys won easily, 38-17.

"It's funny because you look back at it and it probably wasn't my best game," Witten said. "But everybody remembers that play and you're the toughest guy to ever play now because your helmet came off."

Recent Games

Week 17 Massacre (2008): It was announced just prior to this game, the winner goes to the playoffs, the loser will sit home and watch.

The Eagles would put a stomping on the Cowboys for everyone to remember. Defeating the Cowboys 44-6, sending the Cowboys home with a horrendous taste in their mouths, and an image of defeat, cemented in their brains.

“They just handed us an old-fashion butt whooping,” Terrel Owens stated after the game.

Three Game Sweep (2009-2010): With the week 17 Massacre fresh in their minds, Dallas went back to Philly in week nine, knowing that the fans in Lincoln Financial Field wanted a repeat of the last game…they didn’t get it.

McNabb was sacked four times, and threw two interceptions in the loss, but this wasn’t the game that Dallas felt like they extracted their true redemption.

Week 17 came back around, this time, the game was in Dallas’s billion dollar stadium. And the Eagles purely didn’t show up. Dallas would run the ball right down the Eagles’ throat, both of their running backs gaining 91 yards in this 24-0 game. The Eagles were sent home with their head down, knowing they’d have to return next week for the playoffs in the teams’ third and final game of the season.

You must believe in the third game of this season, Dallas felt like they were on top of the world. Ending a 13 year streak of never winning a playoff game, and stomping the Eagles 34-14, much like the Eagles stomped them the season prior.

Felix Jones again torched the Eagle defense for 178 yards, and McNabb was sacked another four times in this game.

Keith Brooking, Dallas’ middle linebacker called the Eagles “Predictable”

“The way we dominated them, obviously McNabb didn’t play his best, but they were very predictable. We knew exactly what was coming on every play. A lot of that didn’t have to do with Donovan McNabb.”

Summary: There’s a lot of hatred, tension, and pure emotion that runs between these two clubs. Although that can be said about many rivalries within divisions, I would venture to say that these two historic teams have more controversy, memorable moments, and consistent drama than any other rivalry in football.