FanPost

As The World Turned

The soap opera that has been the NFL season this year afforded our Cowboys a unique opportunity this past Saturday. They had the chance, albeit with some required help, to make the NFL playoffs. Despite all the blown coverages and blown blocks, despite the dropped catches and dropped chances, we still sat on the verge of entering into the most prestigious of tournaments. Every year, only 38 percent of the teams in the National Football League are allowed entrance into the playoffs. As we as Dallas fans in recent years know all too well, nothing is guaranteed in this age of parity in the league. The simple fact that we had a chance to cement our spot in the playoffs after all that we have been through this year displays the resiliency portrayed by this group of not-quite-there-yet individuals. Next week they are again awarded the chance to move on, to survive into the NFL postseason. And the outcome will be a direct result of their actions.

But as we stated, last week it was not all up to them. Sure, Dallas had to beat the Eagles. But the Jets also had to beat the Giants in the Battle for the Big Apple (is anyone else praying we get to see a rematch via a Brandon Jacobs vs. Rex Ryan cage match with a lifetime pass to Boston Market on the line?). It was a close game for four quarters, each team letting multiple chances slip away.

I sat and watched this game with a plan. I was going to chronicle every momentum swing, as pertaining to the Cowboys' playoff chances. Every time the momentum swung back and forth I would record my immediate reaction, collecting info that I could bring to BtB nation as evidence of the long days upping ups and downing downs, all resulting in a Cowboys playoffs berth. The Cowboys were unfortunately denied the opportunity to even allow themselves to qualify for the playoffs this past weekend. The Giants were able to finally take control of a game in which neither seemed like they wanted to win. And yet, here I am left with all of my notes, scribbled away (on Microsoft Word, of course) all for naught. But instead of letting them drift away into unused scrap, I decided to make use of my diligent work. Instead of serving as a fond remembrance of the victorious roller coaster ridden by our team that day, it will now simply be an example of just how uncertain the game of football can prove to be.

The Giants vs. The Jets, as recorded by TheSharpestNick, after the jump

Just to explain the process, the time before the statement is all Eastern Standard time, PM obviously. The reaction is from the moment the play occurred. Enjoy the ride

12:15- First word comes out on ESPN that Cowboys players may sit depending on the NYG/NYJ outcome. Not quite sure why this is breaking news, as it has been a topic discussed all week and I thought this was the conclusion we all came to. Any hoot, I agree with the move.

1:01- Kickoff. Here we go. J-E-T-S Jets! Jets! Jets! Thank you Fireman Ed...you annoying bastard.

1:07- First Bullet dodged. JPP looks to have scooped and scored on a miserable screen attempt by Sanchez and co. on 4th down. Yet the G-Men had 12 men on the field. OUCH! First down Jets. Thank goodness.

1:14- Touchdown Jets! Sanchez converts to Josh Baker, the new touchdown maker, aided immensely by the 12 men on the field call. Things are off to a good start 7-0 Jets

1:23- Ah, the simple beauty of Eli Manning get mauled and obliterated by three gang (green) members. Not a major momentous play, yet a smile on my face nonetheless.

1:32- Since it's Christmas Eve and I'm back at home for the holidays, my mother feels the need to pester me about taking a shower before going to Grandmas house for dinner. Quiet down woman, football is on. Don't you know me?

1:34- Giants punt for the third time in the first quarter. Offense can't get in the slightest of grooves. Love it.

1:43 END OF FIRST QUARTER 7-0 NYJ

1:46 Graphic on the screen pops up about how NYG is eliminated with loss and Dallas win. Mouth begins to salivate and foam slightly.

1:50 Jets manage a goal line stand after Giants drive down the field. Nicks dropped wide open TD pass. We can only hope that this comes back and bites them in the butt. 7-3 Jets

2:10 Action has slowed down considerably, with both teams failing at life in general. On a side note, I cannot begin to describe how sick of holiday commercials I am. What makes ad execs think it's okay to rewrite a Christmas song with their own words and then put whatever the hell they want dancing around in the background? Pink Oompa Loompas T-Mobile?!?!? Come on. Disgraceful.

2:13 Well that was odd. Chase Blackburn, special teams ace for NYG, runs up and tries to recover a punt at his own three yard line surrounded by Jets players. He inexplicably tries to grab for the ball yet mishandles it and it ends up in the hands of the Jets. YES! but wait, since NYJ already touched it prior to Chase "the ball like an idiot" Blackburn, it remains NYG ball at the 3. Let's go Safety!!

2:16 Hmm...That's going to hurt our chances. Record-tying 99 yard TD catch by the Flaming Flamenco himself, Victor Cruz. If the salsa dance doesn't get him laid tonight, this will sure help. 11 yard hitch turns into a 99 yard game-changer. On 3rd down. What a game football can be. 10-7 Giants

2:23 Uh-oh. Football Gods may be turning on us-- and the Jets. Looks like a Kerley fumble due to his elbow not landing on the ground, but rather on a Giants player's cleat. Rex vigorously tosses out the red flag. Somebody get that guy some oxygen, he must be exhausted after exerting so much energy.

2:25 Overturned. Thank goodness. Makes it easier on everyone if players just hold on to the ball. Crazy concept, I know, but Jets should give it a try

2:34 Nice drive to get into field goal position with 2 seconds left on the clock. Out trots the Dallas legend himself, Nicholas Alexander Folk for the attempt. Nice, quick 44 yarder and we go into the half tied. It's up and...oh yeah. Nothing is nice and quick for Nick Folk. Wide right. Damn.

2:35 HALFTIME 10-7 NYG

2:50 Shaved, showered, and change of clothes all during halftime. Sometimes, I impress myself. Back in time for kickoff. Stat of the first half: Victor Cruz TD=99 yards. Rest of NYG offense=83 yards. ugh.

3:05 Getting the feeling this game will change dramatically based on one play. If Sanchez keeps impersonating Ryan Leaf out there, the play could have already happened on Cruz's TD

3:15 One hour til kickoff in Big D and this one is far from over. Must be tough for the guys with which their status depends on the outcome of this game. Hard to prepare mentally for a possibly playoff-clinching game against a hated rival, when in fact there is a solid chance you in fact wont be seeing the field.

3:20 Another punt, another yawn, and another chance for Sanchez and the Jets to take control. Memo to the Jets--> Run the football. Don't get penalties. It works.

3:24 Jets punt. The futility continues

3:29 Big catch and run by Cruz, long run by Jacobs and the Giants are on the doorstep to busting this one open. Well, i guess a 10 point lead isnt really busting it open. But with the Jets offense, it might as well be

3:30 Ah, right on cue, there goes Bradshaw into the endzone. Nice little Marion the Barbarian impression, too (2007 edition). Sorry, Brodney Pool 17-7 Giants

3:32 END OF 3rd QUARTER

3:35 Interception thrown by the Jets. Last 10 offensive drives: 8 punts, one missed field goal, and a pick. Whoever still does not appreciate Tony Romo, please, I implore you to watch Mark Sanchez for 3 quarters. You're eyes will bleed, but the appreciation you'll feel for ole #9 will rise tremendously.

3:39 Jets defense holds the Giants to a field goal. 2 TD lead is a massive mountain for the green team to climb. Yet, as we know all too well, they have done it before. But still, Felix and the walking wounded might start taking those pads off pretty soon. 20-7 Giants

3:49 Touchdown Jets! Touchdown Jets! Touchdown ....oh wait, no. Pass interference on Plax. Damn. The football gods giveth, the football gods taketh away (thanks for the quote, dad).

3:50 Very next play, Jets fumble. That is a crushing blow

3:51 Wait, could it be? Yes! Everyone's favorite ruling, The Tuck Rule, has made an appearance. Ironically, the ball was recovered originally by Tuck. But now, Tuck must tuck his tucking self back out on to the field. Don't tuck the Jets season/ Cowboys clinching opportunity to bed yet!

3:56 Jets convert second 4th down of the drive. Ball down at the NYG 2. Don't take those pads off just yet, guys!

3:57 Wow. I would almost feel bad for Jets fans, if i didnt think they were so damn obnoxious. Fumble after the center inexplicably snaps the ball into his inner thigh instead of Sanchez's hands. Ok, now take the pads off.

4:01 Pads back on! Pads back on! Eli interception and the ball returned to his own 11. This game is getting wild.

4:08 Giants are trying to lose this game. 3rd and 12 for the Jets and a Def. Holding keeps their hopes alive. Thanks for the early Christmas gift boys!

4:09 Touchdown Jets! For real this time! Sanchez with a little bootleg around the right edge. As long as he doesn't have to throw the ball, he's not too bad. Jets D needs another stop to give the offense a chance to fully redeem itself 20-14 Giants

4:14 Incomplete pass from Eli to Nicks on 3rd down. Jets going to get the ball back. Can't help but feel like this could actually happen.

4:15 Kickoff at the mecca. Going to miss the first few minutes. At this point, who cares. Let's go Jets! first and 10 at midfield. So much for all that talk of deciding who is playing based on the outcome in the Meadowlands.

4:18 Jets forced to punt. Again need to rely on the D for a stop.

4:23 Vick to Celek TD pass highlight pops up. Wow defense, that was fast...

4:24 Back to the business at hand. Jets D finally gets much needed stop. 2:31 left on the clock. First down for the Jets at their own 11. Going to need a little holiday magic. As the Moose just said from the press box, "The stage is set"

4:26 Moose was right. Stage was set...for dramatic failure. Safety by former Cowboy Chris Canty to finally clip the Jets' wings. Major disappointment. Looks like all the money will be on the table next week at Snoopy Stadium. 22-14 Giants

4:29 Bradshaw throws some eggnog in the wound with a breakaway touchdown. Click. TV off. Well, at least it will be a stress free rest of the evening with nothing left to play for. Let's just avoid injuries and battle it out next week. This is the sharpest of all the Nick's you will ever meet, signing off.

FINAL SCORE GIANTS 29 - JETS 14

We all know what is at stake this coming Sunday. It will be a New Year. I urge you to enter it with optimism with regards to our beloved 'Boys. Possess within you the audacity to believe that we will go into the swamps and stomp the Midgets. And, ahem, if anyone is selling their tickets for less than the absurd prices found on stubhub, let me know!

Go Cowboys. Fear the Star. Happy Playoffs!

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