09-20-2009, 08:47 AM
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#1
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Moderator
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OFFICIAL GDT - Cowboys vs Giants!!!
Cowboys vs. Giants
Cowboys Hope To Open New Stadium With Giant Victory
link
GAME SET
WHAT: Dallas Cowboys (1-0) vs. New York Giants (1-0)
WHEN: Sunday, 7:30 p.m. (CT)
WHERE: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TELEVISION: NBC (Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth)
BIG ISSUE: Yes, the Cowboys have had two preseason games in the new Cowboys Stadium, but for the regular-season home opener, owner Jerry Jones has saved many of the bells and whistles. The Tom Landry statue is in place, the star will be at the 50-yard line and the roof will be open, weather permitting. The only thing left is a Cowboys win, which won't come easily against the defending NFC East champion Giants, who have possibly become Dallas' biggest rival. The Cowboys cannot afford to be blinded by the glitz and glamour of the new stadium and get caught with anything less than their A-game.
The Giants are just as motivated by the new stadium's opening as the Cowboys are. Except instead of playing to the cheers of 100,000-plus fans, they want to hear boos, or better yet, silence. New York comes into town hoping to spoil the Cowboys' big grand-opening party and collectively shut up North Texas. To do that, they'll have to play a little better than they did against the Redskins in Week 1, though.
NUMBERS, PLEASE: Cowboys stud outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware did not record a sack in the team's opener against the Buccaneers, but don't expect that to happen again this week. For one, the last time Ware went two consecutive games in the same season without a sack was the first two games of the 2007 season. Now, Ware also failed to record a sack in the 2008 season finale loss to the Eagles, but the last time Ware went three games sack-less was his 2005 rookie season.
The Giants only rushed for 103 yards last week against the Redskins, and poor rushing performances aren't common for at team that features massive running back Brandon Jacobs and lightning-quick back Ahmad Bradshaw. But, the last time they did have a poor running performance came in none other than last year's Cowboys win in December, when the Giants managed only 72 yards on the ground.
ONE-ON-ONE: Last week was Mike Jenkins' turn to start at right cornerback. This week belongs to Orlando Scandrick. But Scandrick's most important role will not come covering the right sideline, but covering the slot when the Giants use three wide receivers. More often than not, the Giants' slot receiver will be Steve Smith, who is also the most experienced in New York's receiving corps. At 5-foot-11 and 195 pounds, Smith isn't huge, but he's bigger than other receivers who thrive in slot, like New England's Wes Welker (5-9, 185) or Washington's Santana Moss (a generous 5-10, 200). Whether Scandrick can be physical enough with Smith is not a question, though. Just ask Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams, who took two hard Scandrick hits during training camp and preseason practices.
Aside from a false start here and there, Cowboys left tackle Flozell Adams is busy keeping quarterback Tony Romo's jersey clean. That task was easier last year against the Giants, because New York defensive end Osi Umenyiora's season ended before it even started due to injury. But Umenyiora's back with a vengeance, and showed it in Week 1 with a forced fumble, which he recovered himself and returned for a touchdown. Adams will likely get a good amount of help on Umenyiora, but he will have to be able to handle him one-on-one from time to time, because another sack-master, Justin Tuck, will be rushing from the other side and will command double teams as well.
SUPPORTING ROLE: The much-praised New York Giants defense will meet someone Sunday it's never faced before - Cowboys running back Felix Jones. Jones was out with injury for both of Dallas' games against the Giants during his 2008 rookie season, but now he's healthy and will get a crack at them this week. Jones could prove to be a valuable weapon for Romo, because with the Giants' pass rush pressuring him early and often, the Cowboys quarterback will need a quick dump-off option. And who better to turn a five-yard pass into a 70-yard touchdown than Felix Jones?
The Cowboys put up 353 passing yards and three deep passing touchdowns last week against the Buccaneers, and now with the Giants' injury problems in the secondary, Romo, Williams & Co. could be successful again. Three Giants starters (cornerback Aaron Ross and safeties Kenny Phillips and Michael Johnson) are burdened with injury issues, along with one crucial backup at corner (Kevin Dockery). If all four missed the game (Ross has already been ruled out), that would leave the Giants with only four healthy players in the secondary - safety C.C. Brown, and three corners (starter Corey Webster and backups Terrell Thomas and Bruce Johnson. It's unlikely all four injured defensive backs will be out, but the backups will be relied upon more than usual nonetheless. HEADSET GAMES: After last week's exhibition of matador run defense, the Cowboys know that stopping the Giants' ground game is their top priority. New York's receiving corps is young and inexperienced, so Dallas isn't as concerned about doubling any of their receivers as much as they are bringing a safety into the box to stack up against the run. If they can stymie the run game (and get a sizeable lead on offense), the Cowboys' pass rushers can pin their ears back to get after Giants quarterback Eli Manning, forcing him and his relatively inexperienced wide receivers to do most of the heavy lifting.
The Giants, on the other hand, are more concerned about stopping the pass. The problem is, sometimes they won't know when the Cowboys are going to do it. That's because Dallas is using more two-tight end sets with second-year end Martellus Bennett lining up opposite Witten, aimed at making run and pass almost indistinguishable before the snap. If the Giants stack the box (doubtful), Romo can check into a pass play, knowing he has just as much receiving talent on the field as he would with five wide receivers. If the Giants keep two safeties deep, Witten and Bennett, both able blockers, can contribute to opening holes for Jones and fellow back Marion Barber.
HEALTH WATCH:
Cowboys
The Cowboys don't have many injury issues at all. The only players listed out have been out for some time - rookie inside linebacker Jason Williams (high ankle sprain) and rookie safety Mike Hamlin (broken wrist). The other four listed on the injury report - starting quarterback Tony Romo (ankle), starting safety Gerald Sensabaugh (chest), rookie quarterback Stephen McGee (knee) and backup outside linebacker Curtis Johnson (hamstring) - had full practices all week and are listed as probable.
Giants
The Giants are hurting much more than the Cowboys are. Six players have already been ruled out - starting corner Aaron Ross (hamstring), defensive tackle Chris Canty (calf), backup center Adam Koets (ankle), rookie wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (foot), backup linebacker Clint Sintim (groin) and backup running back Danny Ware (elbow). Starting safety Kenny Phillips (knee) and backup cornerback Kevin Dockery (hamstring) are listed as questionable, and neither practiced on Friday. Starting linebacker Michael Boley (hip) and starting safety Michael Johnson (shoulder) are both listed as probable.
__________________
These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when
your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.
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09-20-2009, 11:33 AM
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#2
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Golden Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: In The Paint
Posts: 1,897
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I am looking forward to seeing the Palace on tv tonight.
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09-20-2009, 03:41 PM
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#3
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 41.21.1
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At home, against a divisional rival for the first game in a new stadium this early in the season - there's a lot of confidence riding on this game...
Tonight is a must-win!
__________________
These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when
your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.
Last edited by Underdog; 09-20-2009 at 03:43 PM.
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09-20-2009, 04:27 PM
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#4
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Deutschland
Posts: 7,885
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Quote:
Originally Posted by left texas
I am looking forward to seeing the Palace on tv tonight.
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burn
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09-20-2009, 05:07 PM
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#5
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Deutschland
Posts: 7,885
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There is an hour work ahead. When do they kickoff in central europe ? I want to see Jerry´s toy.
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09-20-2009, 05:10 PM
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#6
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Moderator
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: 41.21.1
Posts: 36,143
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2 and 1/2 hours from now
__________________
These days being a fan is a competition to see who can be the most upset when
your team loses. That proves you love winning more. That's how it works.
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09-20-2009, 05:23 PM
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#7
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Deutschland
Posts: 7,885
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__________________
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09-20-2009, 05:23 PM
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#8
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Deutschland
Posts: 7,885
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Cool introducion, btw., Under.
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09-20-2009, 05:48 PM
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#9
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: behind you
Posts: 6,248
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I'm ready.
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09-20-2009, 05:49 PM
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#10
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Maybe it's my homer side talking, but I have faith the Cowboys are going to bring Jerry's stagium a win in their first game there. The 12 formation is going to be all the rage after tonight after Marty B eats up the Giants defense like a big bowl of Cap'n Crunch.
I'm pumped. I kind of wish I could have bought a party pass, just so I could have gone.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
Last edited by FINtastic; 09-20-2009 at 05:51 PM.
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09-20-2009, 06:44 PM
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#11
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: behind you
Posts: 6,248
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Yeah, I'll call it know. I'm seeing a dozen catches, 120+ yards and at least one score from the Witten/MartyB combo tonight.
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09-20-2009, 07:02 PM
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#12
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Jerry is just beaming about his stadium in this pregame interview with Costas.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 07:22 PM
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#13
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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I wanna know what the odds are that the stadium stands up in the middle of the game and just walks away.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 07:30 PM
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#14
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cowboys Country
Posts: 23,336
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FINtastic
I wanna know what the odds are that the stadium stands up in the middle of the game and just walks away.
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Genius.
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09-20-2009, 07:32 PM
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#15
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cowboys Country
Posts: 23,336
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Domenik Hixon is an emergency backup DB in this game...and you may see him in that capacity before this game is out. After all, Roy Williams and Miles Austin are about to destroy some fools.
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09-20-2009, 07:41 PM
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#16
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Nice stop. We can't let the Giants get the first TD in this mofo.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 07:44 PM
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#17
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Felix is genius
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 07:51 PM
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#18
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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MB3
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 07:51 PM
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#19
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cowboys Country
Posts: 23,336
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I question Barber's breakaway speed. But I love me some Marty B!
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09-20-2009, 07:52 PM
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#20
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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The Barbarian with the first ever score in the new stadium!
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 07:52 PM
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#21
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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History!
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 07:52 PM
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#22
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cowboys Country
Posts: 23,336
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The rout is underway!!
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09-20-2009, 07:53 PM
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#23
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Btw, I love the fact that Garrett hasn't buried The People's Choice on the bench. As we can see, that decision is paying off.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 07:53 PM
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#24
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Guru
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Cowboys Country
Posts: 23,336
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FINtastic
The Barbarian with the first ever score in the new stadium!
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He already did that!!
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09-20-2009, 07:53 PM
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#25
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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That was business as usual right there....just ram it down their throat!
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 07:54 PM
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#26
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 2,293
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Woot, great drive!!
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09-20-2009, 07:59 PM
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#27
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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get used to that Dumbface!!!
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:03 PM
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#28
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Romo was completely terrible that drive...
wow.
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:03 PM
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#29
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 2,293
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DAMMMITITTTTTT!!
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09-20-2009, 08:04 PM
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#30
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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what a way to just kill all momentum.
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:05 PM
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#31
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Roy Williams was pretty open
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:05 PM
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#32
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Shake that garbage off and get it going again...
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:06 PM
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#33
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Platinum Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 2,293
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NOOOO Felix!!! Gah DARN!!!
Great they will score another TD in less than a minute.
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Last edited by Jon Avalon; 09-20-2009 at 08:06 PM.
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09-20-2009, 08:06 PM
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#34
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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How to Lose a game 101.
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:07 PM
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#35
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Well that momentum swung in a jiffy.
Settle down guys.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
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09-20-2009, 08:07 PM
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#36
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 16,054
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Romo is a killer. He is the anti Rothleisburger/Brady. He's good, but he makes way too many mistakes as a quarterrback.
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09-20-2009, 08:08 PM
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#37
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The Preacha
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Rock
Posts: 36,066
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Could Al Michaels love the Giants any more?
__________________
ok, we've talked about the problem of evil, and the extent of the atonement's application, but my real question to you is, "Could Jesus dunk?"
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09-20-2009, 08:09 PM
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#38
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Basketball fan nirvana
Posts: 5,625
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Clearly the new stadium is jinxed.
__________________
"It does not take a brain seargant to know the reason this team struggles." -- dmack24
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09-20-2009, 08:13 PM
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#39
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 16,054
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And the Cowboys defense just isn't good enough for the offense to give the other team points.
You would think Brandon Jacobs was the greatest rusher in NFL history the way everyone goes on and on about his size. He is not harder to defense against than guys like Peterson, Tomlinson, etc.
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09-20-2009, 08:14 PM
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#40
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Diamond Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,668
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bayliss
Romo is a killer. He is the anti Rothleisburger/Brady. He's good, but he makes way too many mistakes as a quarterrback.
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You can't seriously be saying with a straight face that Roethlisburger is a risk-averse quarterback.
__________________
"Ok, Go Mavericks!"
-Avery Johnson
Last edited by FINtastic; 09-20-2009 at 08:16 PM.
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