When Does Spring Training Start?

I really didn't think I'd be writing this. Really. But here I am, sitting at my keyboard, typing away.

Let's get one thing out of the way right off the bat.

No matter what people say, this year's Cowboys were good. They proved to all the doubters that they can win in December and January. They proved they can win in the playoffs. They proved that a team that believes in itself can overcome all the naysayers and perform the way a quality team should. Now, that being said...

DAYUUUUUMMM!!

Just a total collapse. It was as if the team that beat New Orleans, shutout Washington and Philly, then beat Philly again, decided to take a vacation. And of course, those who talked all year about how bad this team was will begin crowing now. And they will completely overlook all the good things that happened this year. Which is to be expected.

So my impressions of this year's team...

Tony Romo: Proud of ya. This year, you finally stepped up and acted like a leader. And today, you were running for you life. Constantly. The offensive line that had your back up until today left you to the wolves this afternoon. And you didn't help your cause by coughing up the ball a few times. But anyone who looks past your overall performance this year is irresponsible and has no business critiquing an NFL quarterback. There are plenty of QBs out there who can't hold a candle to you. And maybe the next time people talk about how terrible you are, they should remind themselves that the Cowboys could always sign a JaMarcus Russell or Josh Freeman.

And one more thing. Enough with the "Homo" stuff. 2006 called and they want their joke back. It got old two years ago. If you want to make fun of him or bash him, at least be original. Come up with something that's actually funny. Calling Romo that is akin to cracking jokes about how the Cowboys are a bunch of felons. It's old. And it makes you look silly.

Barber, Jones, and Choice: Any team would be lucky to have you three, although Marion, I think it might be time for you to allow others into your spot. You just don't have that punch that you used to. Felix will be the go-to guy from now on.

Miles Austin: Love ya. Was fun watching you this year. You stepped up during the Kansas City game and never looked back. In your future, I see a big pay increase.

Roy Williams: Yes, you're a Texas Ex. And as such, I'll always like you. But let's get one thing straight. Jerry Jones spent a ton of money on you and you blew it. No telling how much more this team could have done, had you actually caught balls that were thrown to you. When thinking of you, the word "bust" comes to mind.

Jason Witten: You started this year off worse than you ever have. But you sucked it up and returned to your old form. It's nice to have a tight end who is reliable. You've always evoked memories of Novacek. Now don't get a big head from that comment. You are NOT Novacek. But you're damn close.

DeMarcus Ware: You are simply a beast. When you were carted off the field last month, I thought it was over. You not only came back, but you did it with a vengeance. You are the type of defensive player every team drools over. Glad we have you.

The Offensive Line: At least today, your name is correct. Your performance was extremely offensive. And I never thought I'd miss Flozell. Free, you're good. But you are not ready to protect your QB's blindside. Far from it. And to think, if all of you would have played like you did over the last few weeks, Tony would be out tonight, picking out Rolex watches for each of you. As it stands now, instead of that, he should be picking out hammers, so you can smack yourselves in the back of the head for letting him down today.

Secondary: You know those targets they have in the quarterback competitions? The ones that are attached to the sides of golf carts? Favre might as well have been throwing at those today. In the off-season buy blankets, because today your coverage stunk up the joint.

Oh, and one more thing. All I want for next year is a kicker who can put a football through a 18 foot, 6 inch wide goal post. To Nick Folk and Sean Suisham: It's not that complicated. You kick the ball. We're not asking you to cure cancer.

So, to sum it up, I'll take this. a closer game today would have been nice, but it is what it is. But the curse is gone. This team can, and did, win in December and January. And barring any huge free agent losses, they can do this again next year. And maybe take it a step further. And with all the new money generated from a new stadium and an un-capped year next season, maybe we can shore up some of what was wrong.

And finally, to Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips, and Jason Garrett: Mr. Jones, you are arguably one of the savviest businessmen in this country. You built a palace that no other city can come close to replicating. But I would still like to see you back off and bring in a GM. Yes, you put together a good team this year. But I will never be sold on you as a "football guy".

Coach Phillips, take a deep breath. You still have a job. Don't screw it up.

Red Headed Jeebus, go home and watch tape from December. Then watch it again. Then take a bathroom break, come back, and watch it again. Learn from it. Because if you don't, that whole "coach-in-waiting" thing will be a distant memory. You were given the keys to a Ferrari this year and you brought it back with quite a few dings on it. Try and be more careful next time.

So there ya go. Could have been worse. But it sure as hell could have been better. But I'll take this. And best of all, I'm still a Cowboys fan.