Who do I want to win the Superbowl now?

Originally written Tuesday, January 15, 2008

A lot of my friends have asked me which team I would like to see win the Superbowl now that the Cowboys have been eliminated. To be honest, I am a one team guy so it really doesn't matter. Usually, when teams other than the Cowboys are playing, I tend to pull for either the underdog or, during the regular season, a team that, by winning, helps Dallas gain some advantage, such as a divisional championship, home field in the post-season, etc.

I really have no idea who I want to win it all now. I am sure I will watch the remaining games but I am pretty cool about whoever comes out on top. I don't really have a like or dislike for any of the remaining teams, but here are my thoughts for whatever they're worth:

New England Patriots

Like it or not, the Pats have had an incredible season. To go 16-0 in the regular season in the NFL is historic. Only one team has ever done that before - the Dolphins of 1972 (note: the Dolphins regular season was just 14 games long). I have to give credit to New England. They have had a great season and could very well be one of the best football teams of all time. I don't particularly care for them, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for what they have accomplished so far.

Just a word about the spycam incident here: They've been punished for it by the league. It's over. Let it go. Who cares? Every team in the NFL has tried at some point in time to get an edge on the opposing team - either within the rules or outside them. Former Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson said in an interview recently that other teams had stolen our signals when he led the team to two consecutive Superbowl victories. He said the coaches told him afterward that although they knew what play the Cowboys were going to run, it just didn't matter. The Cowboys were so good that you couldn't stop them even by knowing in advance what they were going to do.

My point is, yes, the Patriots cheated. Would they have been just as good without cheating? Probably. Discipline and execution are the key. To be honest, the Patriots may be the very best in those two areas right now. Oh yeah.....and they have some decent talent on the team. LOL. Anyway, I can't deny that to this point in the season, the Pats probably deserve a Superbowl Championship. They do still have to earn it mind you. No remaining team will just up and give it to them. However, no remaining team may have the weapons to stop them either. Should the Pats win, I will not begrudge them that honor.

Green Bay Packers

Without a doubt the Packers are one of the most storied teams in the NFL. From the early days of the NFL with Lombardi and Bart Star, the Pack has a proud history. Brett Favre has followed in that tradition quite well and is going to be a Hall of Famer without question. Plus, from what I have seen of him, he's just a decent guy. I have no problems seeing the Packers win it all either.

San Diego Chargers

Now, I do have to admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for the Chargers, and that's for one reason only. Do you know what it is? Norv Turner. I always have a soft spot in my heart for former coaches and players for the Cowboys. When Turner was with the Cowboys in the 90's as offensive coordinator under Jimmy Johnson, he did an excellent job. However, he has been unable to achieve that high level of success since becoming a head coach himself. He has received a lot of criticism since leaving Dallas - some deserved I guess, but some not. Just because of Norv, I would be happy to see San Diego come out on top as well.

New York Giants

Now I know many of you hate the Giants. Not just because of the loss on Sunday - although that is still an open wound at the moment. However, although I love the Cowboys, I have to admit that the Giants outplayed us Sunday, and on that day (and that day only), they were the better team. They outplayed us. I am not going to analyze the game and give the reasons why "the Giants didn't really win, we just beat ourselves." The Giants won. That's it. End of Story. Let's just own up to it and give them credit. Congratulations Giants. There. That felt better (OK, it didn't really feel better, but it was in order I think).

Am I OK with the Giants winning the Superbowl? Yes, and here's why: The Giants represent the NFC East - the very division that the Cowboys won during the regular season. For years I have argued that the NFC East is consistently the best and most competitive division in the NFL. For example, when the Cowboys won back to back Superbowls in 1992 and 1993, do you remember who won the two Superbowls right before that in 1990 and 1991? If you said the Giants and the Redskins, you are correct - both from the NFC East. For those four years, the NFC East held the world championship. That's good. All the AFC could offer was Buffalo (I won't get into that here). My point is that for the Giants to win the Superbowl, actually only reflects well on the Cowboys and their performance this season. Yes, we fell short in the end, but it wouldn't be bad to say that the team that won the Superbowl finished second in the division to our Boys.

So, all in all, I am good with everything. The Boys are out but the future is very promising for our team. I am going to just try to enjoy the remaining games and not stress over who wins. I have had enough stress for this season.