Holiday Mash Up

Ehsan Azad

Holiday Mash Up

                I have been pretty busy lately and sadly I have neglected this column. When I decided to get back to work it was pretty hard to pick a single topic to discuss. So much has happened in the sports world it’s hard to decide what is worthy. So here is a mash up of my ideas and opinions that have no relevance on the sports world.  Enjoy!

The tragedy that occurred to the Dallas Cowboys has to be addressed first. My thoughts and prayers are out to the family of Cowboys linebacker Jerry Brown Jr. No one should lose their life that young, especially while in the middle of trying to achieve a dream most Americans have. Also, to Josh Brent, those who hate or criticize him for his actions may need to calm it down a bit. We act as we haven’t done what he is accused of. I know a lot of people drive home drunk and are lucky to even escape a DUI, let alone to be still alive. Josh Brent is human like us, and he made a terrible mistake in which he will live with the rest of his life. He didn’t want to kill his friend. In the end he will pay the price, but it may serve as a tool to help educate the rest of us that drinking and driving can never be tolerated.

                The Cowboys win over the Bengals was probably the best and most emotional game I ever witnessed in my short time becoming a Cowboys fan.  Watching you could tell that the death of a teammate surely was weighing heavily on their minds. Head Coach Jason Garrett used the word numb to describe the energy level of his players and he was right. But, the team rallied from 19-10 in the fourth quarter to win on a Dan Bailey field goal. The team should get a lot of credit for overcoming loosing a teammate the night before, playing a better opponent and rallying to beat them was just a perfect way to end what was a tragic weekend for the Cowboys.

                While the Cowboys celebrated a victory Sunday, they lost a player to injury. Dez Bryant, who might be having his best season this year, broke his left index finger late in the fourth quarter. He did later in that same drive catch a 27 yard touchdown pass. It was first reported that he would be out the rest of the year following surgery. Now, it seems he may delay surgery to play in a pivotal game versus the Steelers.  Who knows what may happen, but the Cowboys do need him, even if it risks his finger being permanently stiff. The Cowboys are still one game behind in the playoff race in both the division and the wild card. Dez playing down the stretch greatly increase the chances of success. He is clearly the best weapon the Cowboys have other than Witten and Demarco and the most with the big play making ability. If he plays, Dez will rewrite his image this season from immature punk to the play maker.

                My rule is never to watch Basketball fully until the month of February. Just doesn't make sense to tease myself with early season basketball. But, I happened to pay attention to this year’s Mavericks to see how they were with Dirk sidelined. Oh and last night I got my definite answer. They suck. OJ Mayo and Shawn Marion are doing the best they can, but man this team needs number 41 quick. If they continue on this pace, that sacred playoff streak is going to come to end fast. By the way Mark Cuban, re-sign OJ Mayo now. The dude can play.

Quick Rangers update. They haven’t done anything major yet. After they traded Michael Young, I was waiting for ESPN to break that they signed Zach Greinke. Then I was like OK, maybe they will trade for Justin Upton. Then I was like OK, maybe they will get one of another pitcher like R.A. Dickey or Anibal Sanchez.  Then I was like OK maybe Josh???  So far, nothing has happened, but Josh Hamilton could return. Yay? The front office better get another starter for this rotation, or they will be in trouble again next year. The offense has already lost Napoli and Young. I don’t have much hope for the Rangers now.

                My semi-Alma mater Texas Tech regained my faith and support of them this yesterday. After overrated Head Coach Tommy Tuberville resigned to take over at the University of Cincinnati, they hired Texas A&M’s Offensive coordinator and former Tech Quarterback Kilff Kingsbury as the next head coach. This surely made up for firing the Pirate Mike Leach. I have no problems with the move. Kingsbury is a Leach disciple and will return Tech to its old pirate swagger. Oh and he might be better than Leach, he just did get Johnny “Football” Manziel the Heisman trophy after all.

                Hope you enjoyed my random thoughts on the sports world. Now for a prediction, Cowboys beat Steelers 35 to 21. Now go make some money.