After a long delay, the EA Sports DFW blog is back to a
triumphant return. A lot has happened to the DFW sports scene since we last
talked and we have a lot to cover.
Dallas Mavericks:
A lot to digest with this team and I still can’t come up with
a definite feeling towards this squad. They are talented, but too many times
this team has come up short in trying to live up to our expectations. They
started out the year having one of the more efficient offenses in NBA history
but had one of the more dreaded defenses in the league. The trade for Rondo
started with so much hype and now has many fans questioning the move. Now, new
forward Amare Stoudemire is the new hope for this Mavs team that is still
trying to put all the pieces together. In his Dallas debut against the
Charlotte Hornets, Stoudemire had an impressive outing off the bench with 14
points and three rebounds in just 11 minutes of playing time. His offensive
game and rebounding skills look to help this Mavs squad this is struggling to
find bench help. If Amare can follow up with even more impressive outings down
the stretch, then fans can have some optimism going into the playoffs this
year.
Dallas Cowboys:
There isn’t any down time for America’s Team and the drama
is building up as Free-Agency nears. According to Mike Florio of Pro-Football
Talk, apparently there is a video of Cowboys All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant doing “Ray
Rice type things”. My take on this is that it is complete b.s. First off, if this was something to deal with
any law being broken, wouldn’t we hear something from law enforcement trying to
see this tape? Also, I am sure this would be a huge story that nay reporter
would want to break. Yet, we still have multiple reporters including Mike
Fisher of 105.3 the Fan has no clue of. The Cowboys have also expressed
puzzlement over the existence of this video. The video doesn’t exist, trust me
Cowboys fans. It doesn’t seem plausible.
Yet, there is something to be concerned about with Dez
Bryant. The contract negotiations aren’t going well and it does seem that a
franchise tag might be coming. According to Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning
News, Stephen Jones said the Cowboys are “leaning” towards applying the
franchise tag on Dez.
Jerry Jones even said that they haven’t really talked to Dez’s
new agent since the change was made mid-season. So what is the hold up? I am
thinking that there is still no trust between the front-office and Bryant and
they aren’t comfortable with guaranteeing big money towards him. The only other
plausible reason this isn’t happening is maybe Dez and his agents want a ridiculous
contract.
Regardless, this is a bad situation because franchising him
will not only take up significant cap space, but it will piss him off. Dez did
say not to test his loyalty. Jerry is sure testing it right now.
Texas Rangers:
As pitchers and catchers are reporting in Arizona for spring
training, there is a bit of excitement for the Rangers from myself. Yes, they
were unbearable to watch last season as injuries derailed this team but I think
there is room for optimism. Yes, we don’t have Ron Washington here anymore
bringing his leadership to this franchise, but Jeff Banister is just as capable
of bringing that same intensity. Also, this team is finally HEALTHY! We can finally
see what this team was meant to be last year, with some minor additions. While
I don’t think this team will compete for a title, they are surely in the race
for the division title. So let’s relax and just be happy baseball is back!
Dallas Stars:
Do I really have too? No? Thanks..
Follow me at @easportsdfw for more updates and my thoughts
on sports.
