Choosing hatred over heartbreak

by Tuna Helper on Dec 9, 2008 3:38 PM CST

So I have this friend right.

Well, let's not call him a friend. He's in this murky area between acquiantance and enemy. I like him enough to be cordial to him but I don't hate him enough to assert the necessary energy to punch his lights out.

I went to school with this guy. In the prime years of the Cowboys Super Bowl runs. And what did I hear from him? Not a word. Never knew he was a Giants fan. Never heard a peep from him.

So we're in a fantasy football league together. His team is stacked. My team isn't (although I did pick up Tashard Choice though, he was a beast). He's the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. I barely made it in (I have a knack for doing this. Ask the guys in the BTB fantasy league). If he wins and I win, we'll play for the championship.

So now all the sudden, he's the biggest homer in the world. He can't stop talking about the Giants. He's the biggest trash talker in the world now.

Here are his weapons of choice: Kid 'N Play were popular last time the Cowboys won a Super Bowl game, Tony Romo is a pretty boy, blah blah blah.

Here are my weapons of choice: shooting yourself has never been popular (even for idiots) and why does Eli Manning always look like he has diarrhea?

Why do I tell you guys this?

Because I'm still mourning over that debacle in Pittsburgh. I'm still mad that in a week where the BCS bowls have finally been settled and there are two teams in the NBA who may win 70 games, the lead in stories on ESPN are: Jerry Jones and T.O. What a joke.

So guess what. I'm not choosing hope over love today. I'm choosing hate over heartbreak.

And I hate the Giants.

So I'm asking you to choose hatred over heartbreak today.

I'm taking all the disappointment I had for our loss to Steelers and transferring it to contempt for the Giants. Not that I haven't always hated the Giants. I do and always will. But my tank isn't always on full. Well time to swipe the card and fill that sucker up. This is a team who couldn't sniff in our general direction last year for two and a half games. But they have the rings and what do we have? Bupkis.

I'm mad.

You do remember Justin Tuck don't you? You remember what he said after their victory earlier in the season?

Sideline reporter Pam Oliver to Giants defensive Justin Tuck after the game: Was the victory "just as satisfying against a depleted team?"
Responded Tuck: "Depleted? The only thing depleted in Dallas is their heart."

If anybody was questioning players toughness it wasn't Jerry Jones. It was him.

So for the rest of this week I'm going to give this dude the business. I'm going to call him everything but a child of God. And I will go here and here if I have to.

Anybody else with colorful insults about the Giants feel free to contact me.

Shout out to King Man and his fanpost here.

We are seriously like the walking wounded out there. Our Pro Bowl safety is hobbled and bullet-riddled safety seems depleted (just kidding there Killer, you know I love ya KD!)

Is there a doctor in the house?

Starting free safety Ken Hamlin spent time in the training room Monday morning and left wearing a walking boot on his right foot.

Hamlin had an MRI on his ankle, and coach Wade Phillips said Hamlin will miss practice time this week.

Starting strong safety Keith Davis gingerly walked around the locker room with a sleeve on his left knee, which he injured in the first half Sunday.

Davis also had an MRI exam Monday, and his status against the Giants hasn't been determined.

Shout out to bad knees for his fanshot here.

We need to finish. Wade knows that.

"You're going to have to finish this season to get where you want to be," coach Wade Phillips said. "I mean it's right there for you. You say that's what you want to do. You preach that's what you're going to try to get done. Well, here's the opportunity."

We're close guys. We're really close. We just have to take that next step.

I was pretty deflated earlier today. Yes, still. There's been plenty of chatter about the Cowboys but none of it has been good. Jerry Jones is questioning MB3's toughness (which I think is a bunch of mularky). Witten takes the blame for Romo. Romo takes it back. The Red Baron getting too cute on a couple of plays that may have cost us the game. Roy (RW2) Williams is hurt (plantar fasciitis ain't no joke). The Steelers, after getting their teeth kicked in for about 55 minutes, now, wanna talk trash. Jeesh.

I needed a pick me up.

Oh. Is that a dumb column in the USA Today I see? Finally something! Jarrett Bell! Step right up!

Like Bugs Bunny used to say, "What a maroon."

Dallas is so soft. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones essentially questioned Marion Barber's toughness for missing Sunday's game at Pittsburgh due to a dislocated toe. That's dicey stuff, trying to gauge the level of pain and discomfort in another man's body — even after you've guaranteed the player $16 million as part of a 7-year, $45 million contract extension. Less murky is how the manner of Dallas' fourth-quarter meltdown against the Steelers further exemplifies the team's weak belly in the latter stages of the season. The Cowboys were bounced in their playoff opener last season after a 13-3 regular-season earned them a No. 1 seed. Before that, a bumbling finish to a playoff-opening loss at Seattle. The pattern has been there for a while. Since Y2K, the Cowboys are 13-29 in games played after Dec. 1, a mark that includes four playoff losses. Dallas hasn't had a "post-Dec. 1" winning record since 1996. Funny, no team plays to the spotlight like the glamorous Cowboys, projected to finally get over the hump this season and advance to the Super Bowl. The current group undoubtedly has gained some stature from hype linked to the franchise's tradition. But it has continually wilted when needed to back up the hype when it matters most. When Dallas extended its lead to 13-3 in the fourth quarter at Pittsburgh, Terrell Owens flexed his muscles and taunted the crowd at Heinz Field. Yet the dominant part of the Cowboys' identity would soon overshadow such bravado.

So no mention of the defense, hunh? You know the Steelers were 3-14 on 3rd down and had less than 250 total yards right. But we're soft?

I've got two words for you buddy: Yo. Mama.

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Comments

TH, what is great about beating NYG is the expression on Coughlin's face

like he was suffering from Chrone’s Disease.
Great article.

Wharter

by Wharter on Dec 9, 2008 3:52 PM CST reply actions

The thing is if Pittsburg didn't talk trash about Dallas

They’d go this whole week outside of the news cycle. If they had talked about Carolina or even the Redskins, nobody would care. They’re just riding coat tails to the limelight

by AustonianAggie on Dec 9, 2008 4:03 PM CST reply actions

The

funny part is …. Dallas beat them at their own game for most of the game. If Romo doesn’t mess up, they lose. Romo lost the game, the Steelers didn’t win it.

But they won, so they can talk all they want.

It's called Sex Panther by Odeon. It's illegal in nine countries... Yep, it's made with bits of real panther, so you know it's good.

by Dub_TC on Dec 9, 2008 4:05 PM CST reply actions

who cares about pittsburgh?

like wtc said, they won so they can talk all they want. and if the cowboys don’t like it, maybe they should seal the deal when they’re up 13-3 and dominating the other guys. i won’t get into whose fault it is, but i just don’t see much of a reason for the cowboys or us fans to get miffed at what the other guys are saying, whether in pitt or in nyc. if the cowboys want to shut them up, they’ll have to do that on the field.

as for jarrett bell, he may or may not be an idiot (i’ve never even heard of him), but what do we find in that excerpt to disagree with? jerry never should have questioned barber’s toughness; that’s just idiotic. the cowboys have sucked after december 1 for many moons. owens was dumb to taunt the steeler fans (if he did, i missed that) before the game was over.

to summarize, we don’t have to like everybody piling on, but the cowboys have to step up. it’s not a shame to get beat by a good pittsburgh team on the road. but the way they did it was infuriating, and invites the critique.

by g8tgod on Dec 9, 2008 4:24 PM CST reply actions

+1

if the Boys want the negative talk to stop, go beat the Giants this Sunday night. That would shut some people up.

It's called Sex Panther by Odeon. It's illegal in nine countries... Yep, it's made with bits of real panther, so you know it's good.

by Dub_TC on Dec 9, 2008 4:32 PM CST up reply actions

Jarrett Bell is an idiot

Last week before the Saints-Bucs game, Bell puckered up to kiss Reggie Bush’s ass and try to gloss over the Saint’s superior record without Bush playing. Bush then went out to get benched in the second half and averaged something like 1.6 yds/touch (including punt returns). Bell looked like a buffoon, but instead of manning up to his mistake he spent his entire blurb on the game ripping Drew Bees. He’s a clown, and an intellectually dishonest one at that. In other words, he’s just another sportswriter.

The AP story is a joke, and ESPN and other outlets went with the same “overcelebration” theme on the 4th and goal stop. Bullspit. As TO said, that was a celebration about getting the stop, not because you think the game is over. More Cowboys haters in the media trying to rewrite history and make Dallas look bad, damn the facts.

The worst piece on the game was Don Banks:’

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/don_banks/12/07/cowboys.insider/index.html

It’s like a soap opera written down, setting the tone with the whole ‘overcelebration’ angle and how demoralized and dejected Dallas was. A joke.

As you guys said, though, the best way for Dallas to shut up the haters is to go and beat New York. ESPN and the rest of Dallas Haters Nation was sweating bullets for 3.5 quarters on Sunday, dreading having to report on Dallas dominating the Steelers who had just manhandled the Pats. This time, Dallas needs to not rescue the keyboard jockeys and get the ‘W.’

I think this is my first post here (though I’ve been lurking forever). It’s great to see Rafael and Raul here. I’ve been reading their stuff for years on a site that predates the name of the last place they were writing at (can’t remember the name of that site, but I know it wasn’t the same name as the site they were just on; could have been a rename). Always top-notch stuff from those guys and it’s great to see them hooked up with BTB for the web’s best coverage of the team.

Actually, Clarence Hill of the FWST wrote the most embarrassing piece following the game. I might make a fan post about it. He actually wrote a spot saying that ATL was still ahead of Dallas. He didn’t do his research, and he was SO intent on keeping the “Cowboys doomed” narrative (as was the case with Bell, Banks, …) going that he totally blew himself up publicly. The FWST quickly tried to bury the article, but I have the whole thing copied somewhere. Pathetic.

by PaulFVillarreal on Dec 9, 2008 6:42 PM CST up reply actions

See this is what gets me,

and why I’m very thankful I found this blog. I cannot go ANYWHERE in the Western civilized world to get an objective article on the Cowboys current situation. Its almost as if ESPN dictates the angle/material to these subordinate “writers”, they change a few words and bingo they have their editorial done for the week. It’s why after being a poster on ESPN.com for about 6 months I dropped it altogether. I couldn’t get any objectivity. And forget trying to have a “conversation” on their boards. Strangely enough I found this website off of Matt Mosleys blog over there in the land of Haterade. At least on here I can separate the good from the bad instead of wading through the cesspool on other sites. It is also one of the reasons I have a hard time posting negative comments in here. I’ve read so many elsewhere I am forced to think and stay positive for my own sanity!
All that being said does anyone know a good source for unbiased football analysis?
And for the record, I hate the Giants,Eagles and Redskins 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even off-season

by Benthere on Dec 9, 2008 10:12 PM CST up reply actions

You're right on about the similar content of these various articles, Benthere

“Its almost as if ESPN dictates the angle/material to these subordinate "writers", they change a few words and bingo they have their editorial done for the week.”

You got it.

There are 4 main reasons why this happens. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Sportswriters, and reporters in general, are unbelievably lazy people. If they can fob off someone else’s idea and thus decrease the amount of time they have to spend coming up with their own ideas, they will.

2. Many sportswriters/sports media personalities hate the Cowboys. This is obvious to many Cowboy fans but it still should be pointed out. So, for example, if material from an article bashing the Cowboys can be recycled, it often is. A good example of this is the mentioning in 4 different AP articles I read on the Seattle game that made sure to point out that T.O.’s wide-open final drop of the game cost him a 100-yard receiving day. Many other facts or tidbits about the game were left out, but that information made it in all 4 articles.

3. Sportswriters — and writers in general — write for other sportswriters and not for their readers. The effect of this amongst a group of people that, in general, dislike the Cowboys should be pretty obvious. This is one reason (along with #4 below which is an even greater reason for the widespread Cowboys-hating pieces) why there are so many Dallas-bashing articles and segments throughout the media. If I’m a professor in an English department and I know that the rest of the staff adores a certain writer, the best way for me to get kudos among my peer group is to go out of my way to praise that writer. Same thing with the sports media and bashing the Cowboys. You write a piece filled with cheap shots and put-downs and get a hearty share of “attaboys” and “good job” from people who both like what you said and will use the points you made in their own Cowboys-bashing spots.

4. Sports media people are all about the ‘go along to get along’ mentality. Specifically, they are all about trying to climb the professional ladder into their next gig. What this means as far as writing articles bashing the Cowboys is this: If I know that ESPN, NBC and Sports Illustrated all dislike the Cowboys, what’s the best way to get their attention and maybe help myself out with getting a better job?

Bash the Cowboys.

Many of these writers’ articles or media appearances are glorified auditions. When Calvin Watkins of the DMN goes on a stupid line of questioning that ends up with how he, Watkins, might have the Cowboys in the playoffs by now if he were the coach, it’s not an off-the-cuff moment. It’s a planned “attention whore” spot designed to generate some buzz about Watkins for anyone in the business who might catch the session. This type of “Look at me and hire me/promote me, I’m so great!” attention whoredom can be seen in almost any locker room or pre- or post-game press conference gathering. One guy in Detroit who does this all the time with the Lions is Rob Parker. There’s multiple people like this in every city covering teams. And again, it can be even worse with Dallas because these people know that outfits like ESPN whom they would like to hire them hate Dallas. So the attempts at belittling Dallas and members of the team and staff often become even more foolish than what you can find in most locker rooms.

Reporters are some of the worst practitioners of the ‘groupthink’ mindset. They’re often sheep, particularly when being a member of the flock in good standing might give you the opportunity to become the next Stephen A. Smith. So if it seems like ESPN’s stuff is copied everywhere, it is. It is taken by people who don’t want to come up with their own angles, who hate the Cowboys, who are writing for their colleagues and not the fans and who are often desperately hoping to become part of the organization which put together the Dallas-dissing article in the first place.

by PaulFVillarreal on Dec 9, 2008 11:08 PM CST up reply actions

Well said Paul

I get the feeling you’re in or near the sports writing business or have paid a whole lot of attention to it. I’m guessing journalism degree? By the way, thanks for the breakdown. I thought I was hallucinating this scenario at first but you’ve put my mind at rest. It’s like someone unleashed the bubonic plague on the Cowboys in sports media. Now I’ll try my best to stay off of the ESPN website and their channel, although it’s impossible. As several other posters have already said, the only way to shut these hot air machines up is to beat each team we play week after week. I’m ready for that process to start Sunday!

by Benthere on Dec 10, 2008 12:31 AM CST up reply actions

Thanks, Benthere

I did work in sports media for a brief time in the past. I have friends who are still in the business and have followed the stuff for a long time. I actually have a history degree and don’t think I would spend 4 years in pursuit of a journalism degree so I could learn you should use at least two sources and double-check facts (are you listening Clarence Hill?), etc. Ha ha. That’s a bit harsh, of course, but it is really annoying when you see the extent of the bias against the Cowboys and then these media personalities try to pretend they’re so objective and above it all.

Take care, friend.

by PaulFVillarreal on Dec 10, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions

Overcelebration?!?!

I’m so sick of this angle. When their guy got his knee twisted by Hamlin and popped up forcefully, did anyone accuse him of overcelebration, though they were still down at the time.

History is written by the victor, but sportswriters are supposed to be objective, right? Don’t answer that.

John 14:6

by DMorgan on Dec 10, 2008 8:14 AM CST up reply actions

Another great observation

“When their guy got his knee twisted by Hamlin and popped up forcefully”

The FOX crew made sure to show that replay to help reinforce a small “dirty Cowboys didn’t get the moral victory” point. I’m not saying you don’t show that replay, but when you combine it with Buck’s commentary, in general, towards the Cowboys and the shots of T.O. going nuts at the end of the game, the message is clear: Cowboys bad, Cowboys opponent good. Even FOX, which is the home of the NFC, tends to follow this narrative with their production. It’s BS. ‘Good guy’ Washington popping up after Hamlin’s tackle is then something to be focused on, whereas things such as a questionable late catch by the Steelers is never given a replay.

These sounds like small things, and they are, but these are the kinds of decisions made by the producers. Same thing with what I said above about the 4 AP stories that featured T.O.‘s drop and his not getting 100 yards vs SEA. It’s all about what you choose to include and not include in your coverage. You don’t have to come right out and say “I hate the Cowboys.” You just subtlely work in your viewpoint by deciding what you will and will not include in how you cover the game.

As you said, the victor/those in power get to write the history and dictate the editorial decisions on how the event is covered. That’s why Bill Walsh was the first NFL coach to have his own PR flack, I believe. He knew the deal and decided to get in front of the stories so he could frame them his way.

by PaulFVillarreal on Dec 10, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions

You may have already

seen this but I thought it was funny. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSiYo5qn3RA

bags030404

by Phillip Baggett on Dec 9, 2008 4:25 PM CST reply actions

You're Welcome

http://drunkathlete.com/2008/09/06/elis-living-on-a-prayer/

"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee

by BigDinSC on Dec 9, 2008 4:39 PM CST reply actions

Oh I hate the Giants

And next week I’ll hate the Ravens, and I don’t ever stop hating the Eagles.

I know that mathematically speaking, this game isn’t “It”, but as far as I’m concerned this is the season. The Dallas fans have to be a factor. We need to be stupid loud when Eli is out there under center. I’ll be at this game and if I still have a voice when it is over then I’ll be disappointed in myself.

Anyhow the only way to shut up the critics is to win. I watched the Redskins rematch with a Skins fan and 5 of his obnoxious buddies and for 3 quarters all I heard was Romo bashing and celebrating. When the game was over they all sat there, stunned. There is no substitute for the final score.

by gaz0425 on Dec 9, 2008 4:40 PM CST reply actions

With you on this

I’m a Cowboys fan, and I’m choosing hate over heartbreak.

Besides, I will be at the game (1st time in TX Stadium!), and FIRED UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John 14:6

by DMorgan on Dec 9, 2008 4:59 PM CST reply actions

Hate is all I have this week!!

by rocj55 on Dec 9, 2008 5:59 PM CST reply actions

We just need to win...

I know that’s the simple thing to say, but it’s true. I couldn’t care less about the stupid media making mountains out of molehills on everything Dallas or the Steelers getting their hats handed to them for most of the game only to come out with a win and act like they were playing possum for an entire game. I know what I saw from the Giants last week…and that was sloppy play, poor execution, and the Eagles crowding the LOS because they don’t have Burress anymore to occupy safeties with the double team. If we can stop the run this week (like we’ve been doing) and then get after the QB, then we’re going to see SOE (same ol’ Ely) and we’ll get this win.

by desus32 on Dec 9, 2008 6:02 PM CST reply actions

Alright Tuna, you are talking my language.

I hate the gints as well. Not to get off topic but I will say there was a ticket 760 interview where JJ talked about his comments and clarified what he said. I will post the link below, everyone make your own judgements.

http://www.ticket760.com/pages/dallas-cowboys.html

Ignore the Mainstream Media, EMBRACE THE HATE!!!!

by cowboy78 on Dec 9, 2008 6:30 PM CST reply actions

As far as the Giants are concerned: I Embrace the Hate

Not normally my style but Tucks comments really burned – he is a dick. I hope that is up on the Dallas bulletin board.

If any of you listen to the podcasts on DC.com, Nate N. is brilliant. I loved his explanation of how the ’90’s line used to rough people up: one stands the D-lineman up and the other smacks him in the ribs. Nothing to cause injury but to “anything to switch his attention from the QB to me”. I want to see our big boys on the line smash Tuck into a pulp.

(PS: not sure if you want to go the jailbait route in terms of your comeback – you would be giving your “friend” a lot of ammunition….)

by BoyfromOz on Dec 9, 2008 7:04 PM CST reply actions

So Tex has this friend right...

and the bleeping fake cops wouldn’t let us into the UCSB/ UNC basketball game because Jimmy talked a little smack to some foul-mouth skateboarder while waiting in line.

by Montecito Tex on Dec 9, 2008 7:21 PM CST reply actions

Tex, as much as you make me laugh, please do not ever try to go around my beloved Tarheels ever again. I'm afraid you might ruin them!

by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 9, 2008 9:44 PM CST up reply actions

Justin Tuck...

really shouldn’t say things like that…doesn’t he know that that quote will be bulletin board material all week?

I have noticed a new resurgence in Cowboy hating in 2007, which can only mean one thing- We're back.

by nspirals on Dec 9, 2008 7:22 PM CST reply actions

Hey if

the players don’t talk smack this isn’t a great rivalry. I say more of it. The Boys have no heart. More importantly Romo’s knees clatter in the face of adversity.

by ProudYankee on Dec 9, 2008 10:20 PM CST up reply actions

if we win, does that mean we have heart?

by slash on Dec 10, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

My kinda theme.........

If there is one thing that i am really good at it would be the utter hate that i have for the Giants, Eagles, and Redskins. I hate them all so very much that its hard to put one over the other. But i have to say, my hate for the Giants has soared to a new level this year.

Every time i see that big ass gap in Micheal Strahans mouth it makes me want to shove a brick in it. They all talk about how the Cowboys are so cocky, but they are always the ones running there traps. And i understand they are the champs and they can talk. But damn, im really sick of them and there whole “woe is me act”, “nobody repects us”. What a crock of crap. Starting with Brandon Jacobs and Justin Tuck. If im not mistaking, the cowboys did kick there ass twice last year. They won the one that matters most but they act like they have been kicking our ass for years. Well guess what Mr. Tuck, its a whole lot harder to chase down Tony Romo than it is Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger. Flo is going to do the same thing he did to you last year in 2 out of 3 games. I’m getting pissed just typing this post. GIVE ME SOMETHING TO BRAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by TARHEEL PAUL on Dec 9, 2008 9:54 PM CST reply actions

How about your car?

"When it's third and ten, you can take the milk drinkers and I'll take the whiskey drinkers every time." -Max McGee

by BigDinSC on Dec 9, 2008 10:07 PM CST up reply actions

wanna know something

i live in jersey and it’s amazing how many people magical become giant fans when they win the super bowl. it’s quite funny when they text me saying how their kicking our butts, when half of our team is out, i’m not going to return the favor this week, i’ll wait till the playoffs, when we kick their ass like they did ours last year.

by joey7289 on Dec 10, 2008 10:57 AM CST reply actions

history

You’re right on with that last half, man. I was thinking similar things and I have mixed feelings about this game. I’m often wrong, but Arizona and Minnesota don’t stand a chance against Dallas in the playoffs. If the Giants win on Sunday night, a tall order, I’m going to start going back to church in preparation for the potential playoff game. Because beating Dallas 4 times hasn’t happened since the 89 & 90 seasons. To be fair Dallas hasn’t taken 4 straight from NY since 92-3.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 10, 2008 12:30 PM CST up reply actions

Funny

I guess it’s a matter of perspective, but I’ve always been sick of watching the Ex-Cowboy parade of Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikamn and his gf Joe Buck, and Moose analyzing calling the games every week. I can’t really speak to ESPN, but FOX is in love with Dallas. I watch the DVD of the playoff game last year and have to listen to Aikman gloating “That’s what Tony Romo does!” after that shovel pass that got them in scoring position in the 4th.
It’s the same thing I said after he threw to McQuarters.
Not trying to start any trouble, this is a great blog and the participation level is just off the charts. Just wanted to say that I think everyone believes that the announcers and referees are against their team. I include myself in that.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 10, 2008 11:29 AM CST reply actions