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Simms on matchup
Phil Simms will provide analysis on CBS for Sunday's Patriots-Cowboys game. Here are some of his thoughts leading up to kickoff, provided by CBS' public relations staff:
"The fact that Dallas won the way they did (in Buffalo) will give them more emotion, and of course tremendous confidence going into a game with the Patriots. Usually when a team loses the week before I say, ‘Oh boy, that will really get them focused. That will really make it tougher for their upcoming opponent in the following week.’ However, I think it would have been the opposite in Dallas’ case if they had lost to the Buffalo Bills. Emotionally, it would have worked against them in their game against the New England Patriots because of the build up, the records and the fact of who the Patriots are. The fact that Dallas won is going to put them on a whole new emotional high. That would not have happened if the Dallas Cowboys lost. It would have hurt their confidence, and it would’ve taken their edge off of them…
"Never underestimate crowd and the emotions sometimes. You are only able to capture that a couple of times a year because even the crowd has up-and-down days. As an example, do you think Buffalo’s crowd is going to be as emotional and into a game maybe the rest of the year as they were against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night? No. It was the Dallas Cowboys. They were undefeated. It’s T.O. It’s Tony Romo. It’s the first time in 13 years they have had a Monday night game at their stadium. It was everything that a fan could want. The reason I’m saying this is because this will probably be the best crowd of the year for the Dallas Cowboys. When it comes to their fans, they are storing their energy up right now. All they’re talking about around Dallas is let’s get ready, it’s a big game. It will truly be a playoff atmosphere for the Dallas Cowboys. ...
"[The Patriots] will be even more determined, more focused and more ready for this game because they know the environment. They know the team they are going to play is a well-rounded team. And, they know it will take their best to win. All that is right up New England’s alley. Of course, New England is a team where winning is important to them, but they also love to battle. I have always said that in athletics always be afraid of the person who loves to battle. They have proven ever since Bill Belichick has been there that they can fight for a long time. A lot of teams have wanted a piece of New England over the years and they enjoy that fight, but somewhere in the second half they end up asking is this fight ever going to end?"
Your comments
(7)Everybody wants a piece of the pats! Look back even to last year. The jags wanted in the play-offs at home and unbeaten and the Pats win.The next week the titians thought they would get in. Had the Pats in there house in a game that they thought would not matter to the Pats and on a win streak. But did'nt happen. The jets thought they were ready in wild card but nope.The chargers were next they had it for sure but not so fast. The jets and chargers already had another chance and could'nt do it with a score to settle. indy felt like they just had to take us out to be for real.With no name WR's and third defence. EVERY GAME IS BIG in PATRIOTS NATION
Hey Phil,
I hope your son is doing OK.
All Patriot fans were happy with the results of the Bills/Cowboys game. Dallas is satisfied with a win over an AFC East opponent. A loss would have made them hungry for redemption.
End of first quarter this Sunday afternoon. Pats 17...HaaBat dem caboys...0.
Super, we get Simms on Sunday. So, instead of replays, we'll get Simms' Spotlight (or promos for other CBS programs). Instead of insightful analysis, we'll get Simms' patented I-go-whichever-way-the-wind-blows-after-every-play commentary.
Mike,
Just read an article on ESPN.com and found some quotes interesting. The first one was:
It has seemed to me that A.D. is on the field the most (when he wasn't injured) by a good bit over Seau and Bruschi. He also does not look anywhere close to as lost as Chad Brown or Monty Beisel were.
The other quote was from a list of overrated players:
I was wondering your thoughts since you have charted player participation and watch the games with a keen eye.
I disagree with Sims. If Dallas had lost at Buffalo, IMO they would not have wanted, under any circumstances, to lose a 2nd game in a row, especially playing at home.
The last second win gave them an adrenaline flow that will wear down by kickoff on Sunday and they could come out flat.
IMO, the win, instead of a loss, at Buffalo, plays to the Pats advantage.
It is hard for any team to match the adrenaline flow when there is a week between games, unlike baseball where the next game is the next day, and the flow is still there.
And, if the pts can come out quickly, put points on the board early, that will add to the Cowboys flatness.
I agree with Mike Allen. Dallas had to give it all they had against a team that was rolled on by a brilliant Patriots squad. I expect Dallas to come out strong in the first quarter and be flat by the middle of the 2nd. If Dallas comes out with the same weak O Line as they did against Buffalo, do not look for T.O. touchdowns either. Instead, look for the big crybaby we have all come to know and not love. Pats 30 Dallas 12
Prediction- Pats 45, Cowboys 10.