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Calvin Watkins (2:58 PM)
What's up guys and Happy Thanksgiving. Well, a late Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you guys had a blast.So, let's chat.
Blake (Delaware)
Is their ever going to be a chance for Choice to be the starting running back? He is the most complete back that Dallas has.
Calvin Watkins (2:59 PM)
I like Tashard Choice. He's the only healthy back on the team, but Marion Barber and Felix Jones looked pretty good yesterday.Jones and Barber made big plays in the run and pass game and seemed to be healither than at anypoint during the season. Choice is very good, but for now, stick with Barber and Jones.
Tony Romo (Jessica Simpson's house)
How do you think our record will look at the end of december?
Calvin Watkins (3:02 PM)
Tony,I think you better leave Jessica's house. Now for the December record. I think you should beat the Giants. That's a team on the downside. You have to knock them off, like right now.San Diego will be tough, for some reason, the Chargers play better later in the season. You might lose that game.The Saints is a loss. No need to explain.The Commanders is a win. No need to explain.The Eagles might be for the division title. Maybe. So, it's put up or shutup time, again.
mike mathews (dallas)
as a long time cowboy fan i am among those worried about the troubles in the past........why should we as fans feel like this team is any better then last years team or the last 10 years for that matter.....jason garrett to me just gets lost during games
Calvin Watkins (3:05 PM)
I thought Jason did a pretty good job yesterday. Sometimes it's not about the playcalling. Sometimes the execution is what's important. Jason told me two weeks ago he wasn't scared to run the ball. I believe him. But you can't run if the guys up front aren't blocking and the running backs are not producing.Saying that, the Cowboys are setup for a strong finish, but we've seen this before. But unlike previous years, I think the mentality of this team is stronger. They understand they must finish the season strong and that that momentum into the postseason.
Matt (Duncanville)
Calvin, who are your Cowboys MVPs this season on offense and defense?
Calvin Watkins (3:07 PM)
Defense is Jay Ratliff. He should go to the Pro Bowl again, he's having a wonderful season. DeMarcus Ware, Keith Brooking and Mike Jenkins should get some silver medals or something.Offense is Miles Austin. He basically saved the season in KC with that performance of his.You could give a silver medal to Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis for how they've played this year.
Tony (west virginia)
Why are you so quick to think will lose to the saints? I mean we have a pretty explosive offense, they will have to bring there (A) game to do it but i think they can and will.
Calvin Watkins (3:11 PM)
I think the Saints have too many weapons on offense for the Cowboys to stop. Drew Brees is having a MVP-type season. On defense, the Saints like to force turnovers. I like their pass rush and the secondary, which goes hand-in-hand in forcing turnovers. Saints have 24 sacks and 20 interceptions.
Calvin Watkins (3:14 PM)
Newman stock was down because of his issues with secondary coach Dave Campo. I think Mike Jenkins has been the best corner on this team all year. Newman doesn't make enough plays for me to consider him an elite corner. Newman played pretty well yesterday, however, he led the team with two pass breakups. But he doesn't do that every week.
Rosalynn (Jersey)
We Never Have a winnine record in December!! What Does Dallas need to do to Succeed in this difficult month?
Calvin Watkins (3:19 PM)
The schedule for one has been hard. Last year, Dallas faced Pittsburgh, the Giants, Baltimore and the Eagles, some of the best defenses in the league. The year before that they went to Detroit, hosted Philly and visited Carolina and Washington.It's not an excuse, but you have to produce when it counts and this team hasn't. In 2007, they had some injuries to key people, T.O. Gurode and Witten. Last year, Romo played with a sore back and there were some locker room issues.This year, things seem quiter in the locker room and the team is getting its health back.
Aquil (East Stroudsburg PA)
Do you think that Dallas has a shot at a First Round Bye?
Calvin Watkins (3:20 PM)
No. Minnesota and New Orleans will get that in the NFC.
MJ (Boston)
Calvin - you had Terence Newman's stock down after the Skins game...you know he only gave up 2 catches, and 1 was for 5 yards. Also, he made a great play on that bubble screen to Moss, no gain...you said he needs to play better????? I thought he's played well since the Giants game.
Tony C (Dallas)
Can Romo bring us a ring? Where does he rank among your top QBs in the league?
Calvin Watkins (3:24 PM)
romo is having a pretty good season. Is he having a better year than Brees, Favre, Peyton and Brady? No, but I'd take him over Rivers, Schaub, Mcnabb, Rodgers,Warner the other Manning and Big Ben.
MJ (Boston)
Newman has been a top 5 corner since 2005.... In fact from 2005-07, there's been no better corner...as the biggest Cowboy fan there is, I'd rather him shut down WRs...than get beat time and time again and come up with a pick now and again...So by your standards, Larry Brown must have been better????
Calvin Watkins (3:28 PM)
Maybe you and I have watched some different football games. Newman is a solid corner. But he wont go to the Pro Bowl this year. Pass breakups, picks and how many times a wide receiver catches ball on you is how corners are judged. Newman has only, ONLY 22 intereptions since 2003. Newman is good, but best corner in the game, no way. I'd take the guy in Oakland, both of the guys in Green Bay and Samuel in Philly.
MJ (Boston)
Do you still think Orlando Scandrick will take Newman's spot after next season????? I think Newman's playing better than Jenkins, not sure why you, Mosely, and Mcmahon, think Jenkins is having a better season? I'll give u the picks, but Newman has given up fewer plays...
Calvin Watkins (3:30 PM)
Newman will be here in 2010, and so will his $9 million base salary. After that, I doubt he'll be here. But that all depends on Scandrick's ability to improve. The team had high hopes on him entering this season, but Jenkins beat him for the starting job. Wade said Scandrick lost some confidence when Jenkins beat him out, now it seems as if Scandrick is playing better.
Chase (Dallas)
Calvin, Is Mike Jenkins on his way to becoming an elite corner?
Calvin Watkins (3:33 PM)
Yes, Jenkins is having a good season. He's really improved his zone coverage skills this year. Jenkins said it's helped him read wide receivers better and how to pick off passes.
MJ (Boston)
Can we at least agree that Warner shouldn't be a hall of famer?
Calvin Watkins (3:33 PM)
Yeah, he's not a hall of famer. But I don't have a vote. So, it really doesn't matter.
Chris (Arlington)
Calvin, do you know who the referee will be in New York next week?
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)
It hasn't been determined yet.
Ron (California)
Since Wade is both d-coordinator and head coach, do you think it is possible for him to remain as d-coordinator when Jerry hires Shanahan? If you remember, Romeo Crennel said that he was willing to remain on Mangini's staff when he was fired.
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)
If Jerry hires Shanahan, Wade will not be here.
Neil (Las Vegas)
Do you think Doug Free's ability to get to the second level has helped the Cowboys more in the running game than with Colombo in the line up?
Calvin Watkins (3:36 PM)
No, Free played pretty good yesterday, he lost a few battles, one almost got Romo sacked. But Colombo is clearly a better player. The key to the Cowboys running game as been the ability to cut back, and the guards, Leonard Davis and Kyle Kosier have been the strength of that line.
MJ (Boston)
Cal - that's not what you said in the description, you said he needs to play better....do you think Asante could just down Moss or Steve Smith??? Living in Boston, I've seen Asante play alot, he's never been as good as Newman...I don't care about the picks, I want my shut down corners to shut down WRs. He does that as good as anyone....the Giants game this year, and the Skins game last year when he had the sports hernia, were the only 2 bad games he's had since 2004.
Calvin Watkins (3:37 PM)
Very few guys could shut Moss or Smith down. Newman is good, but I'd take Asante Samuel every time.
haight (nc)
the cowboys were awsome yesterday i think they are going to win the division what do you think? they do have some tough teams ahead of them what do you think? but i also think they are going to pull it off the eagles arnt lokoking to good as well as the giants
Calvin Watkins (3:40 PM)
Yes, I can see the Cowboys winning the division. They have the talent to do so. But the more I look at the schedule, the more I think that Eagles game to close the season will decide everything.
MJ (Boston)
this year, Woodsen's played better than Newman, he's made more plays than my boy. I haven't missed a cowboy snap since 1991. Asante?????? He couldn't shut down my mother. Asante jumps routes well, but he's no shut down corner....see the Saints/Philly game, Asante looked like the 2nd coming of Kareem Larimore
Calvin Watkins (3:44 PM)
MJ, I'll still take Samuel.
Jayson (Phoenix)
Who is this year's defensive MVP so far?
Calvin Watkins (3:45 PM)
Ratliff.
Chase (Dallas)
Calvin, don't listen to MJ from Boston . . Asante is probably the best ball-hawking corner in the league and is an outright playmaker
Calvin Watkins (3:45 PM)
Thanks, Chase. We might have to take MJ out to lunch to help him.
Joe (Mercedes, TX)
Hey, what up Calvin. Enjoy reading your articles. Keep em coming, man. How Bout Dem Cowboys?
Calvin Watkins (3:46 PM)
Cowboys looking good. Expect a win in New York.
Bovice (Dallas (Jessica Simpon's House))
Calvin what is the end result in your opinion for this team?
Calvin Watkins (3:46 PM)
I think the Cowboys will win the NFC East this season and win a playoff game. Wade will get his contract extension and everybody will be happy.
Calvin Watkins (3:47 PM)
I got some warm turkey and ham waiting on me, so I'll talk to you guys next week. Take care of that guy from Boston.
What's up guys and Happy Thanksgiving. Well, a late Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you guys had a blast.So, let's chat.
Blake (Delaware)
Is their ever going to be a chance for Choice to be the starting running back? He is the most complete back that Dallas has.
Calvin Watkins (2:59 PM)
I like Tashard Choice. He's the only healthy back on the team, but Marion Barber and Felix Jones looked pretty good yesterday.Jones and Barber made big plays in the run and pass game and seemed to be healither than at anypoint during the season. Choice is very good, but for now, stick with Barber and Jones.
Tony Romo (Jessica Simpson's house)
How do you think our record will look at the end of december?
Calvin Watkins (3:02 PM)
Tony,I think you better leave Jessica's house. Now for the December record. I think you should beat the Giants. That's a team on the downside. You have to knock them off, like right now.San Diego will be tough, for some reason, the Chargers play better later in the season. You might lose that game.The Saints is a loss. No need to explain.The Commanders is a win. No need to explain.The Eagles might be for the division title. Maybe. So, it's put up or shutup time, again.
mike mathews (dallas)
as a long time cowboy fan i am among those worried about the troubles in the past........why should we as fans feel like this team is any better then last years team or the last 10 years for that matter.....jason garrett to me just gets lost during games
Calvin Watkins (3:05 PM)
I thought Jason did a pretty good job yesterday. Sometimes it's not about the playcalling. Sometimes the execution is what's important. Jason told me two weeks ago he wasn't scared to run the ball. I believe him. But you can't run if the guys up front aren't blocking and the running backs are not producing.Saying that, the Cowboys are setup for a strong finish, but we've seen this before. But unlike previous years, I think the mentality of this team is stronger. They understand they must finish the season strong and that that momentum into the postseason.
Matt (Duncanville)
Calvin, who are your Cowboys MVPs this season on offense and defense?
Calvin Watkins (3:07 PM)
Defense is Jay Ratliff. He should go to the Pro Bowl again, he's having a wonderful season. DeMarcus Ware, Keith Brooking and Mike Jenkins should get some silver medals or something.Offense is Miles Austin. He basically saved the season in KC with that performance of his.You could give a silver medal to Kyle Kosier and Leonard Davis for how they've played this year.
Tony (west virginia)
Why are you so quick to think will lose to the saints? I mean we have a pretty explosive offense, they will have to bring there (A) game to do it but i think they can and will.
Calvin Watkins (3:11 PM)
I think the Saints have too many weapons on offense for the Cowboys to stop. Drew Brees is having a MVP-type season. On defense, the Saints like to force turnovers. I like their pass rush and the secondary, which goes hand-in-hand in forcing turnovers. Saints have 24 sacks and 20 interceptions.
Calvin Watkins (3:14 PM)
Newman stock was down because of his issues with secondary coach Dave Campo. I think Mike Jenkins has been the best corner on this team all year. Newman doesn't make enough plays for me to consider him an elite corner. Newman played pretty well yesterday, however, he led the team with two pass breakups. But he doesn't do that every week.
Rosalynn (Jersey)
We Never Have a winnine record in December!! What Does Dallas need to do to Succeed in this difficult month?
Calvin Watkins (3:19 PM)
The schedule for one has been hard. Last year, Dallas faced Pittsburgh, the Giants, Baltimore and the Eagles, some of the best defenses in the league. The year before that they went to Detroit, hosted Philly and visited Carolina and Washington.It's not an excuse, but you have to produce when it counts and this team hasn't. In 2007, they had some injuries to key people, T.O. Gurode and Witten. Last year, Romo played with a sore back and there were some locker room issues.This year, things seem quiter in the locker room and the team is getting its health back.
Aquil (East Stroudsburg PA)
Do you think that Dallas has a shot at a First Round Bye?
Calvin Watkins (3:20 PM)
No. Minnesota and New Orleans will get that in the NFC.
MJ (Boston)
Calvin - you had Terence Newman's stock down after the Skins game...you know he only gave up 2 catches, and 1 was for 5 yards. Also, he made a great play on that bubble screen to Moss, no gain...you said he needs to play better????? I thought he's played well since the Giants game.
Tony C (Dallas)
Can Romo bring us a ring? Where does he rank among your top QBs in the league?
Calvin Watkins (3:24 PM)
romo is having a pretty good season. Is he having a better year than Brees, Favre, Peyton and Brady? No, but I'd take him over Rivers, Schaub, Mcnabb, Rodgers,Warner the other Manning and Big Ben.
MJ (Boston)
Newman has been a top 5 corner since 2005.... In fact from 2005-07, there's been no better corner...as the biggest Cowboy fan there is, I'd rather him shut down WRs...than get beat time and time again and come up with a pick now and again...So by your standards, Larry Brown must have been better????
Calvin Watkins (3:28 PM)
Maybe you and I have watched some different football games. Newman is a solid corner. But he wont go to the Pro Bowl this year. Pass breakups, picks and how many times a wide receiver catches ball on you is how corners are judged. Newman has only, ONLY 22 intereptions since 2003. Newman is good, but best corner in the game, no way. I'd take the guy in Oakland, both of the guys in Green Bay and Samuel in Philly.
MJ (Boston)
Do you still think Orlando Scandrick will take Newman's spot after next season????? I think Newman's playing better than Jenkins, not sure why you, Mosely, and Mcmahon, think Jenkins is having a better season? I'll give u the picks, but Newman has given up fewer plays...
Calvin Watkins (3:30 PM)
Newman will be here in 2010, and so will his $9 million base salary. After that, I doubt he'll be here. But that all depends on Scandrick's ability to improve. The team had high hopes on him entering this season, but Jenkins beat him for the starting job. Wade said Scandrick lost some confidence when Jenkins beat him out, now it seems as if Scandrick is playing better.
Chase (Dallas)
Calvin, Is Mike Jenkins on his way to becoming an elite corner?
Calvin Watkins (3:33 PM)
Yes, Jenkins is having a good season. He's really improved his zone coverage skills this year. Jenkins said it's helped him read wide receivers better and how to pick off passes.
MJ (Boston)
Can we at least agree that Warner shouldn't be a hall of famer?
Calvin Watkins (3:33 PM)
Yeah, he's not a hall of famer. But I don't have a vote. So, it really doesn't matter.
Chris (Arlington)
Calvin, do you know who the referee will be in New York next week?
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)
It hasn't been determined yet.
Ron (California)
Since Wade is both d-coordinator and head coach, do you think it is possible for him to remain as d-coordinator when Jerry hires Shanahan? If you remember, Romeo Crennel said that he was willing to remain on Mangini's staff when he was fired.
Calvin Watkins (3:34 PM)
If Jerry hires Shanahan, Wade will not be here.
Neil (Las Vegas)
Do you think Doug Free's ability to get to the second level has helped the Cowboys more in the running game than with Colombo in the line up?
Calvin Watkins (3:36 PM)
No, Free played pretty good yesterday, he lost a few battles, one almost got Romo sacked. But Colombo is clearly a better player. The key to the Cowboys running game as been the ability to cut back, and the guards, Leonard Davis and Kyle Kosier have been the strength of that line.
MJ (Boston)
Cal - that's not what you said in the description, you said he needs to play better....do you think Asante could just down Moss or Steve Smith??? Living in Boston, I've seen Asante play alot, he's never been as good as Newman...I don't care about the picks, I want my shut down corners to shut down WRs. He does that as good as anyone....the Giants game this year, and the Skins game last year when he had the sports hernia, were the only 2 bad games he's had since 2004.
Calvin Watkins (3:37 PM)
Very few guys could shut Moss or Smith down. Newman is good, but I'd take Asante Samuel every time.
haight (nc)
the cowboys were awsome yesterday i think they are going to win the division what do you think? they do have some tough teams ahead of them what do you think? but i also think they are going to pull it off the eagles arnt lokoking to good as well as the giants
Calvin Watkins (3:40 PM)
Yes, I can see the Cowboys winning the division. They have the talent to do so. But the more I look at the schedule, the more I think that Eagles game to close the season will decide everything.
MJ (Boston)
this year, Woodsen's played better than Newman, he's made more plays than my boy. I haven't missed a cowboy snap since 1991. Asante?????? He couldn't shut down my mother. Asante jumps routes well, but he's no shut down corner....see the Saints/Philly game, Asante looked like the 2nd coming of Kareem Larimore
Calvin Watkins (3:44 PM)
MJ, I'll still take Samuel.
Jayson (Phoenix)
Who is this year's defensive MVP so far?
Calvin Watkins (3:45 PM)
Ratliff.
Chase (Dallas)
Calvin, don't listen to MJ from Boston . . Asante is probably the best ball-hawking corner in the league and is an outright playmaker
Calvin Watkins (3:45 PM)
Thanks, Chase. We might have to take MJ out to lunch to help him.
Joe (Mercedes, TX)
Hey, what up Calvin. Enjoy reading your articles. Keep em coming, man. How Bout Dem Cowboys?
Calvin Watkins (3:46 PM)
Cowboys looking good. Expect a win in New York.
Bovice (Dallas (Jessica Simpon's House))
Calvin what is the end result in your opinion for this team?
Calvin Watkins (3:46 PM)
I think the Cowboys will win the NFC East this season and win a playoff game. Wade will get his contract extension and everybody will be happy.
Calvin Watkins (3:47 PM)
I got some warm turkey and ham waiting on me, so I'll talk to you guys next week. Take care of that guy from Boston.