The media are stupid
Warning - Cowboy fan introspection and wankery follow. If you don't like it, too bad.
The Cowboys are 5-1 and barring key injuries or some other catastrophe, appear to be headed for the playoffs for sure, and have as good a shot as any at the division title and home field. None of that changed yesterday. Looking at it practically, I'm sure the team is unhappy with the loss, but realize that it was only a couple of plays from being a different game. But, damn it, I like to listen to sports radio and read sports websites, and from that selfish perspective, the final score yesterday has ruined this week for me.
I've only listened to about 10 minutes of radio this morning, and I've already heard it expressed that between the Buffalo game and the "blowout" yesterday, maybe the Cowboys aren't as good as advertised. That's what a lot of the media are going to take out of the game yesterday. Not that the Cowboys came back from a 14-0 deficit to take the lead in the third quarter, but that the Patriots ran us off the field. Yes, a 21 point victory is a blowout, but what kind? Not the kind where the Patriots came in and never looked back. The game wasn't over until the Patriots kicked a FG to go up 14 with about 4 minutes left.
Imagine this scenario - the Cowboys, after that FG, take the ball and drive down to score a TD. Then the Patriots get the ball and run out the clock. Then it's 41-34 and we hear about how the Cowboys played them tough all the way. But essentially, it's the same game - barring a miracle comeback, it was over after the FG. That's why that stupid garbage time TD pissed me off so much.
One last thing about the defense. I'm sure we're going to hear about this all year, but I've watched every game, and I'm not worried about the defense. Sure I'd rather have a great defense, but what we have is good enough. The defense made a couple of key plays yesterday that kept us in it.
Again, the analysis makes no difference to the actual success of the Cowboys. But perception matters to fans, because that's how we experience the game. The analysis and discussion are where a lot of the fun lies. So I guess I'll have to grit my teeth this week, and hope that we take care of Minnesota Sunday so that this week is a distant memory for the media.
5 comments:
The sports media (like the political media) love the easy narrative. And right now "The Pats Are The Most Dominant Team The World Has Ever Seen" is their story of choice.
I agree with your post. I think another result of the game is that the Patriots are fast becoming the most despised team in the NFL, which is good for viewership. If one's team is out of the running, you can always root against the Pats and their obnoxious coach and fans.
"The Pats Are The Most Dominant Team The World Has Ever Seen" is their story of choice.
No kidding. Maybe the Colts can take them down a peg.
And what's with the mid-morning comment? Working from home?
I think another result of the game is that the Patriots are fast becoming the most despised team in the NFL
That's also true. It's not their success, it's the sustained success. Heck, I rooted for the Patriots in every Super Bowl they were in from 1985 until the one against the Eagles. They really have no business performing this way in the salary cap era. And the greatest team of all time thing is ridiculous. I think the 84 49'ers or the 92 Cowboys would kill this team.
And what's with the mid-morning comment? Working from home?
Yup.
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