Bears vs Cowboys - ESPN Cowherd HUGE Fishing Trip (1 Viewer)

[Joe Bryant]

At least I hope this was fishing.

This morning, Cowherd (who I like a lot) said when comparing the Bears to Cowboys down the positions it was:

QB: HUGE win to DAL

WR: HUGE win to DAL

Coach: HUGE win to DAL

Defense: Even.

Then said something to the effect: "I can hear the screaming from Bears fan that are spouting the Chicago hype. 'Our Defense is great yada yada'. Yeah, the Bears defense is better than the Cowboys. But the defenses don't get to play each other. You have to judge the Dallas defense based on how they'll fare against the terrible Bears QB and judge the Chicago defense based on how they'll fare against the high powered Dallas offense"

What?

You don't get to switch criteria on how you judge as you go down the list.

Yes, Bears defense will have a tougher task than Dallas defense because the Cowboys offense is better than Chicago's. Cowherd's point was that you can't compare the defenses head to head as they don't face each other.

Fine. But don't switch criteria and compare the QBs or head coaches head to head with the first three positions.

Romo against a great defense is probably equal to Grossman against an ok defense. But don't rate the QBs head to head and then throw out that criteria when you want to rate the defenses.

Cowherd's a smart guy and I have to think he knew exactly what he was doing there. But thought it was interesting.

J

 

[Eviloutsider]

Anyway for these Sports Writers to get their names talked about. We are falling for the trap right now.

 

[Cowboys#1]

what matters here is that if this game does happen Dallas will win.

thats all, doesnt matter if their 3rd string burrito fetcher has quicker feet than ours.. as long as we win..

 

[Banger]

I would add...

RB: advantage Dallas

Special teams: big advantage Chicago

Defense: big advantage Chicago

I agree with the WR, coach and QB assessments.

 

[Borat]

QB: HUGE win to DALWR: HUGE win to DALCoach: HUGE win to DALDefense: Even.

Aside from the point Joe already made, why would you break the offense down into just QBs and WRs (with no regard to OLs or RBs), then look at the defenses as a whole?

 

[jbird5150]

Cowherd's an idiot. Plain and simple. Always has been.

 

[Colin Dowling]

I think the Cowboys would win by 2 touchdowns, even in freezing weather at soldier field.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I would add...RB: advantage DallasSpecial teams: big advantage ChicagoDefense: big advantage ChicagoI agree with the WR, coach and QB assessments.

Hi banger,I think that's about right.I was really surprised to hear Cowherd use the "trick" trying to say the defenses were even changing the criteria. It was a good fishing trip though as he got me to talk about him. J

 

[Urinal Mint]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.

New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

All this said, I still think the likelyhood of these two teams meeting in the NFC playoffs is slim. There are too many other hurdles to stumble on along the way, namely Seattle, New York, New Orleans, and a wild card team to be sorted from the 9-7 masses later.

 

[This_Guy]

I like Cowherd but he does this all the time. He makes some big argument that is really bold, backs it up with a false premise and makes it seem like anyone who disagrees with him must be smoking crack. He is entertaining to listen to but I have come to find out he really isn't as knowledgeable about sports as he appears to be on the surface. The more I listen to him less I really enjoy the show.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Apparantly the NFC Championship Game is already set

 

[DoubleG]

First, it's obvious that he's fishing - that's what talk show hosts do. If they say things that everyone agrees with, no one calls in to dispute their point, thus no show. I realize you know that, BTW Maybe he's just a Cowboy fan?

Seriously though, if the Bears played the Cowboys right now, I'd also give the nod to the Cowboys. But they don't play right now...or even soon. 4+ weeks is a long time.

First, the Bears have the four weeks left to "regulate" their QB situation. Whether that means reigning in Rex some, giving him time to "play through" his current funk or even getting Griese some work with the first team offense. Given some of their opponents over the next four weeks, it shouldn't be too difficult to experiment a little and still come away with wins.

Second, Romo will have four weeks more of play - which will give teams more video on him, and more opportunities to find his weaknesses. Remember, after 6 games this year, Rex looked pretty unstoppable too. Another point is that Romo could hit the proverbial "rookie wall" - which is related to the above point about teams learning more about him as well.

Third, the Bears are 2+ games ahead of the Cowboys right now - the Bears will likely clinch homefield relatively soon, meaning that the Bears will be resting starters, avoiding injury, etc. the last few games, while the Cowboys may still be fighting for a spot, as they have some tough games with NO, Atlanta and Philly - all who will likely play them tough as they are all (at least currently) battling for playoff spots/seeds.

So while I think Cowherd is fishing, I do agree withhis final analysis; right now Cowboys > Bears...but I also think that changes by the playoffs. I do disagree with his assesment about the defenses - Bears D >> Cowboys D. Don't get me wrong,the Cowboys D is good, but the Bears AVERAGE 3.25 takeaways per game (39 in 12 games) -Dallas averages a respectable 2.17 (26 in 12 games) To put that is perspective, Chicago's D has 39 takeaways - the next closest is Baltimore with 29 - almost 35% more (and one extra per game).

 

[BoulderBob]

The Bears are the team the media has chosen to rip this season. They have found one ***** in the armour, and they do nothing but attack it. The Bears D/ST is good enough to allow to play with and defeat any opponent, but that is lost in the constant Grossman bashing.

 

[DoubleG]

Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

Why? They don't count special teams TDs or defensive TDs in playoff games? Somebody should have told the Steelers that before that Indy game last year. All phases of the game count - especially in the playoffs where things like field position, turnovers, and momentum are magnified. Oh and don't forget about the "4th phase"- the crowd. Dallas will likely have to play on the road (where they are 4-3)

 

[zoonation]

The Bears are the team the media has chosen to rip this season. They have found one ***** in the armour, and they do nothing but attack it. The Bears D/ST is good enough to allow to play with and defeat any opponent, but that is lost in the constant Grossman bashing.

that "*****" just happens to be the most important position in all of football.It is like going to war with the English and finding out Mel Gibson is a total #####.

 

[Bevo]

Cowherd's an idiot. Plain and simple. Always has been.

This is the accurate response. Cowterd is a jackass who believes his only job is to stir the pot, I doubt that he believes 1/4 of what he spews.

 

[Warpig]

If you shut down Marion Barber...you shut down the Dallas O. He's the main weapon...catching and rushing for TD's. T.O. will drop all the passes thrown at him...no need to worry about him. Just double Terry Glenn and spy a LB on Barber. Game over.

 

[JuniorNB]

I would add...RB: advantage DallasSpecial teams: big advantage ChicagoDefense: big advantage ChicagoI agree with the WR, coach and QB assessments.

I can't agree with a Dallas advantage at running back. I'd give you "even", maybe.

 

[DrJ]

As of today, Dallas is the 4 seed in the playoffs. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2668613

Let's see if they even make it to Chicago...

ETA: If they do, it could be in the divisional round.

 

[SteelerMurf]

Cowherd's an idiot. Plain and simple. Always has been.

 

[Banger]

I would add...RB: advantage DallasSpecial teams: big advantage ChicagoDefense: big advantage ChicagoI agree with the WR, coach and QB assessments.

I can't agree with a Dallas advantage at running back. I'd give you "even", maybe.

I agree that it's more debatable than the other positions but Dallas is 8th in rushing offense (ypg basis) and Chicago is 16th. If you look at them on a ypc basis Dallas is 12th and Chicago is an ugly 26th. I'd still give the advantage to Dallas. Overall the Dallas offense (4th) >> Chicago offense (20th)Chicago defense (2nd) > Dallas defense (7th)Chicago special teams >> Dallas STOverall I think it will be a great game if it happens. Homefield will be a big advantage.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

3 words - Bullitin Board Material



Yes, fishing. This is the NEW ESPN. I have a tough time with their new slant on news.

Having said that, film on Rex is not good at all.

He's missing linebackers dropping into zone. His footwork is all messed up, which is messing up his throws. He's not checking down to open recivers.

Lets just see how this plays out. I'm backing off the "he's the QB unless he gets injured" stance. Things might be changing.

Lets just say he has to stop turning over the ball first and foremost.

IMO Some of those problems might not get fixed this year. He is going to need some workshops and that doesn't happen during the season. There just isn't time.

We'll see. Cowerd may be fishing, but he may not be far off the mark. Romo is managing games and Rex just hasn't been.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

I'm so glad they took that hack's show off the air on both the stations around here. He's like a Jim Rome (whom I loathe) wannabe... making up specious arguements and repeating them over and over as if that will eventually make them right.

There's stirring the pot, then there's idiocy.

 

[Banger]

Lets just say he has to stop turning over the ball first and foremost.

this is the key IMO. They've got a very good defense but not good enough to overcome the 3.4 turnovers/game they've averaged over the last 7 weeks. They might be able to get away with it against AZ/Mia but come playoff time against better teams it will be the difference. If they don't turn it over they will be very hard to beat.

 

[flapgreen]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

This is complete nonsense.

 

[flapgreen]

Lets just say he has to stop turning over the ball first and foremost.

this is the key IMO. They've got a very good defense but not good enough to overcome the 3.4 turnovers/game they've averaged over the last 7 weeks. They might be able to get away with it against AZ/Mia but come playoff time against better teams it will be the difference. If they don't turn it over they will be very hard to beat.

It's a big "if" but I agree.

 

[flapgreen]

The Bears are the team the media has chosen to rip this season. They have found one ***** in the armour, and they do nothing but attack it. The Bears D/ST is good enough to allow to play with and defeat any opponent, but that is lost in the constant Grossman bashing.

I was talking about this exact same thing with a buddy of mine last night. With the constant Grossman bashing, you don't hear much at all about how amazing their D/ST have been.

 

[flapgreen]

I'm so glad they took that hack's show off the air on both the stations around here. He's like a Jim Rome (who I loathe) wannabe... making up specious arguements and repeating them over and over as if that will eventually make them right.

There's stirring the pot, then there's idiocy.

Don't even compare those two. It's not even close. From the first time I heard him, I thought Herd was a bafoon.

 

[kensat30]

Chicago's D and special teams are so good they can win games in spite of their QB. I don't think any other team in the NFL can say this. Especially not Dallas.

 

[hove]

QB: HUGE win to DAL

WR: HUGE win to DAL

Coach: HUGE win to DAL

Defense: Win to Chi

ST: Win to Chi

Home Field Advantage: HUGE win to Chi

 

[BOGUS]

Why did the bears lose against the pats? Because of their offense, even though the D and ST played great and had turnovers the offense could convert them in to points. You can not do that with good teams and bears will lose playing a good teams having that offense. I thinks having a good team and moving the chains taking time off the clock and giving the D no rest will be fatal to the bears with turnovers on offense or three in out that will have the bears D on their heels. There will be no way that the bears offense will be able to bounce back. Despite of there record they need to make changes or they won't even make it to the NFC championship.

 

[remote controller]

The one thing that stands out about Cowherd's show is he never faces the music after the fact. He simply avoids bringing it up again, or glosses over the things people say, trying to call him out. He is really very gutless.

 

[gman8343]

The one thing that stands out about Cowherd's show is he never faces the music after the fact. He simply avoids bringing it up again, or glosses over the things people say, trying to call him out. He is really very gutless.

I've heard him take the heat before. Compass has lambasted him several times.

 

[Raider Nation]

Wait a minute here.... Cowherd mentioned something about sports?

Was he out of material about the cute things his daughter said, or some INCREDIBLY AWKWARD, YET FALL-DOWN HILARIOUS situation he found himself in at the grocery store or the airport?

 

[NRV77]

 

[flapgreen]

wtf

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

At least I hope this was fishing.This morning, Cowherd (who I like a lot) said when comparing the Bears to Cowboys down the positions it was:QB: HUGE win to DALWR: HUGE win to DALCoach: HUGE win to DALDefense: Even.Then said something to the effect: "I can hear the screaming from Bears fan that are spouting the Chicago hype. 'Our Defense is great yada yada'. Yeah, the Bears defense is better than the Cowboys. But the defenses don't get to play each other. You have to judge the Dallas defense based on how they'll fare against the terrible Bears QB and judge the Chicago defense based on how they'll fare against the high powered Dallas offense" What?You don't get to switch criteria on how you judge as you go down the list.Yes, Bears defense will have a tougher task than Dallas defense because the Cowboys offense is better than Chicago's. Cowherd's point was that you can't compare the defenses head to head as they don't face each other.Fine. But don't switch criteria and compare the QBs or head coaches head to head with the first three positions. Romo against a great defense is probably equal to Grossman against an ok defense. But don't rate the QBs head to head and then throw out that criteria when you want to rate the defenses.Cowherd's a smart guy and I have to think he knew exactly what he was doing there. But thought it was interesting. J

UMM, I don't see the fishing trip at all. I agree with what he is saying. To everybody putting him down he gets paid to say what he thinks.

 

[MarcO]

Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

Why? They don't count special teams TDs or defensive TDs in playoff games? Somebody should have told the Steelers that before that Indy game last year. All phases of the game count - especially in the playoffs where things like field position, turnovers, and momentum are magnified. Oh and don't forget about the "4th phase"- the crowd. Dallas will likely have to play on the road (where they are 4-3)

In the playoffs the Bears won't be playing teams like the Detroit Lions and the GB Packers who CHI feasts on because they turn the ball over so much and they have crappy defenses that can't stop anyone - playing into the strenghts of the Bears. The only game they have played this season against a top 10 offense is the Patriots (Seahawks were first game minus Alexander). And the Bears have struggled against good defenses (MIN, NE). What happened when they got the turnover? Nothing - because the Chi offense couldn't move it on a good defense. If Chicago plays Dallas I would expect it to be a similar game to the Patriots - where Dal may turn it over but the Bears offense will not be able to move it consistently on the Cowboys Def. and the Cowboys offense can eat up a lot of clock forcing Chicago's D to be on the field a long time - wearing them down. So I think the point is correct - Chicago will have to be able to move the ball on offense to win in the playoffs.

 

[Urinal Mint]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

This is complete nonsense.

If you think it's such nonsense, back it up with some reasoning. I think you'll find it pretty difficult.

 

[bentley]

As a Cowboys fan, it brings a tear of joy to my eye just to read this discussion. It's been a long time since Troy, Emmitt and Michael retired. Glad to see that the bandwagon is filling back up.

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

The Cowboys are the 'sexy' NFC pick right now. There's no denying it.

On paper they appear to be better than the Bears, and they're definitely peaking at the right time.

I'd love to see them play the Bears at Soldier Field in January. It would mean the Bears have won a playoff game finally.

 

[Chase Stuart]

I love how debunking the fishing trip doesn't even include the "HUGE win" for the Cowboys at coach, where Lovie Smith was COY last year and would be in place to win it again this year if the Bears weren't so good last year (because of Smith). Smith's teams, while generally considered less talented, have won two more games each of the past two years. Some of that is the product of an easy schedule, but gimme a break in saying Parcells vs. Smith is a big edge for the Cowboys.

Maybe you can give Parcells the edge --- maybe --- but it's essentially equal.

I don't know how anyone can look at Parcells vs. Smith and say big edge for Parcells. I guess Parcells winning the SB 20 years ago means more to determining who is a better coach than Lovie Smith winning coach of the year last year.

 

[TitusIII]

Anytime I turn on this tool he is ripping on the Bears...huge pissed off audience = ratings, I guess...

 

[cubd8]

At least I hope this was fishing.This morning, Cowherd (who I like a lot) said when comparing the Bears to Cowboys down the positions it was:QB: HUGE win to DALWR: HUGE win to DALCoach: HUGE win to DALDefense: Even.Then said something to the effect: "I can hear the screaming from Bears fan that are spouting the Chicago hype. 'Our Defense is great yada yada'. Yeah, the Bears defense is better than the Cowboys. But the defenses don't get to play each other. You have to judge the Dallas defense based on how they'll fare against the terrible Bears QB and judge the Chicago defense based on how they'll fare against the high powered Dallas offense" What?You don't get to switch criteria on how you judge as you go down the list.Yes, Bears defense will have a tougher task than Dallas defense because the Cowboys offense is better than Chicago's. Cowherd's point was that you can't compare the defenses head to head as they don't face each other.Fine. But don't switch criteria and compare the QBs or head coaches head to head with the first three positions. Romo against a great defense is probably equal to Grossman against an ok defense. But don't rate the QBs head to head and then throw out that criteria when you want to rate the defenses.Cowherd's a smart guy and I have to think he knew exactly what he was doing there. But thought it was interesting. J

The funny thing is that Colin Cowherd is trying to irritate Bears fans, and his show is even played on local radio in Chicago....

 

[cubd8]

I would add...RB: advantage DallasSpecial teams: big advantage ChicagoDefense: big advantage ChicagoI agree with the WR, coach and QB assessments.

I think the RB's are a draw.

 

[cubd8]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.All this said, I still think the likelyhood of these two teams meeting in the NFC playoffs is slim. There are too many other hurdles to stumble on along the way, namely Seattle, New York, New Orleans, and a wild card team to be sorted from the 9-7 masses later.

The Bears did run the ball down the throats of NE.

 

[LHUCKS]

At least I hope this was fishing.This morning, Cowherd (who I like a lot) said when comparing the Bears to Cowboys down the positions it was:QB: HUGE win to DALWR: HUGE win to DALCoach: HUGE win to DALDefense: Even.Then said something to the effect: "I can hear the screaming from Bears fan that are spouting the Chicago hype. 'Our Defense is great yada yada'. Yeah, the Bears defense is better than the Cowboys. But the defenses don't get to play each other. You have to judge the Dallas defense based on how they'll fare against the terrible Bears QB and judge the Chicago defense based on how they'll fare against the high powered Dallas offense" What?You don't get to switch criteria on how you judge as you go down the list.Yes, Bears defense will have a tougher task than Dallas defense because the Cowboys offense is better than Chicago's. Cowherd's point was that you can't compare the defenses head to head as they don't face each other.Fine. But don't switch criteria and compare the QBs or head coaches head to head with the first three positions. Romo against a great defense is probably equal to Grossman against an ok defense. But don't rate the QBs head to head and then throw out that criteria when you want to rate the defenses.Cowherd's a smart guy and I have to think he knew exactly what he was doing there. But thought it was interesting. J

Big Cowherd fan here, but you're exactly right...he overlapped his criteria. I heard this on the way to work this morning and was thinking that it was odd, because usually his logic is sound.

 

[billyjoe]

The Herd is awesome. But most of the time Colin is just trying to rile people up.

That being said, he's the only guy who radio who makes me laugh out loud, all the time. His voices are great. I love the southern guy with a cousin named Fireball. *lol* And his Boston area shtick is the best. And when he talks about being a playa, you just can't help but laugh.

Mike and Mike are painful to listen to. Dan Patrick spews utter garbage. At least the Herd is entertaining. And I think that's what Colin tries to do. He's not trying to educate the hardcore sports fan. He's trying to entertain you, and he usually does a good job. If you don't go to the Herd for your sports knowledge, you'll be fine. Go there to pass a few hours in the car or at work.

 

[flapgreen]

I think Dallas's dual-threat ability to run or throw will show Chicago something they haven't seen often this year. Seattle couldn't get it done early in the season. Other than that, I wouldn't say Chicago has seen a high-powered offense all season. Some would argue the Giants, but they hinder themselves with mistakes and poor chemistry.

New England's 3-4 shut Chicago down for the most part, save for the "chuck it downfield and pray for PI" scheme the offense is fond of. Dallas can be beaten deep but they seem to have solidified that hole as of late. Minnesota's defense has also played them very tough in 2 outings and deserved a win this week IMO. Chicago will not be able to count on defensive and special teams TDs to win in the playoffs.

This is complete nonsense.

If you think it's such nonsense, back it up with some reasoning. I think you'll find it pretty difficult.

All of the highlighted parts I find ridiculous. Chicago's defense has been forcing turnovers at an alarming rate. Look what they did to the Patriots. It doesn't matter to some people. There's always an excuse or reason why it happened. The Giants hurt themselves, Minnesota's defense deserved the win, Seattle didn't have Shaun Alexander, their schedule is just easy, anyone could do what they've been doing with that schedule, they didn't deserve to win in Arizona etc. As another post stated, when exactly did they quit counting defensive and special teams tds in the playoffs? If you do that, then you'll have to go right ahead and take away the strongest part of each team in the playoffs and not count it. It makes no sense.

You seem to have left out that the Bears have had a very solid running game during the last half of the season. The Dallas running game isn't much if any better.

Chicago also just went on a very tough 3 game road trip and came out 2-1. Do you wanna know what most were saying before the road trip? Yep. You guessed it. "This road trip will show what Chicago is really made of and expose them." It didn't happen. Now, they're giving other reasons to why Chicago isn't that good. Some people have their minds made up already and nothing will change it.

Call me a blind homer if you like. That's fine but I'm well aware of what's happening with the Bears. I watch every single game. I know as much about them as anyone. Our defense and special teams has been amazing. To say the Dallas defense or special teams is anywhere close to Chicago is laughable. They're not. Obviously, it's the qb position that's hurting the Bears right now. That's it. I'm very pleased with most other positions. But if we don't stop throwing so many int's, I agree we'll be in trouble at some point in the playoffs. However, to say that we won't be able to count on any defensive or special teams td's to win in the playoffs is nuts. That's the strongest part of our team. You can't just say it doesn't exist or won't happen.

That wasn't too difficult.

ETA: It's not only defensive and specials TD's that help them. It's the field position that get after one of these big plays. I think Dallas is a solid team. If they keep this up, anyone playing them will have their hands full. But writing off Chicago because they're qb play has been terrible as of late is not very wise, imo.

 

[Zaphod]

Cowherd's an idiot. Plain and simple. Always has been.

This is the accurate response. Cowterd is a jackass who believes his only job is to stir the pot, I doubt that he believes 1/4 of what he spews.

Not only that, but he doesn't understand the other 75%