What, or who, is holding the Dallas Cowboys back from finally lasso the elusive glory ? As your die-hard sports enthusiast, I dissect the turmoil swirling through the halls of the Big D, where Super Bowl aspirations are continually dashed, leaving fans in a state of perpetual heartache. This episode exposes the stark realities under Jerry Jones' regime, from the coaching carousel to the stubborn persistence of mediocrity. I lay out a candid roadmap for revitalization, considering the impact a leader like former Titans' coach Mike Vrabel might have on America's Team. The debate heats up as we scrutinize head coach Mike McCarthy's controversial tenure, all while mulling over the necessity of a profound cultural reset within the Cowboys' locker room.
Switching to playoff fever, we analyze the electric NFL divisional round, where underdogs and giants clash in a gridiron ballet of strategy and raw power. Get the lowdown on Baker Mayfield's unexpected resurgence and how it could shape the Buccaneers' clash with the Lions. We serve up hot takes on each fierce matchup, from Josh Allen's faceoff with Patrick Mahomes, to the 49ers' grapple with the Packers, along with bold predictions sure to ignite debates at your next tailgate. Whether you're a fantasy football guru or a casual spectator, this episode promises a blend of deep analysis, spirited discussion, and an unwavering passion for the game.
What, or who, is holding the Dallas Cowboys back from finally lasso the elusive glory ? As your die-hard sports enthusiast, I dissect the turmoil swirling through the halls of the Big D, where Super Bowl aspirations are continually dashed, leaving fans in a state of perpetual heartache. This episode exposes the stark realities under Jerry Jones' regime, from the coaching carousel to the stubborn persistence of mediocrity. I lay out a candid roadmap for revitalization, considering the impact a leader like former Titans' coach Mike Vrabel might have on America's Team. The debate heats up as we scrutinize head coach Mike McCarthy's controversial tenure, all while mulling over the necessity of a profound cultural reset within the Cowboys' locker room.
Switching to playoff fever, we analyze the electric NFL divisional round, where underdogs and giants clash in a gridiron ballet of strategy and raw power. Get the lowdown on Baker Mayfield's unexpected resurgence and how it could shape the Buccaneers' clash with the Lions. We serve up hot takes on each fierce matchup, from Josh Allen's faceoff with Patrick Mahomes, to the 49ers' grapple with the Packers, along with bold predictions sure to ignite debates at your next tailgate. Whether you're a fantasy football guru or a casual spectator, this episode promises a blend of deep analysis, spirited discussion, and an unwavering passion for the game.
Welcome to Beat the Clock Sports Talk. Swing and a belt a field way back. Blue Jays win it. The Blue Jays and World Series champions as Joe Carter hits a three-rump homerun in the night. Benning and the Blue Jays have repeated as World Series champions. Joe, you'll never hit a bigger homerun in your life. Six yards away from Pontiac third and three Montana Throwing in the end zone. Go for it. Play, Clark. Beat the Clock Sports Talk. Our test looking gets you to play. Brian Trudley has to put it off with a buzzer, banks it in, he banks in the three and the Lakers win the game. And now and now your host, anthony the Ant-Man Felly.
Speaker 2:
What is up? Everyone? I am the Ant-Man. This is Beat the Clock Coming up on today's show. Dysfunction in Big D. Well, we're going to talk about it. We also have player spotlights and we will discuss and pick the NFL divisional rounds First. Whether you are a regular listener or hearing the show for the first time, make sure you hit the subscribe button so you'll never miss when a new episode drops. Also, follow along with the show by checking out all of our social media and website. The links for all of that will be in the episode description below. Your support keeps the show going, so thank you for being part of the team.
Speaker 2:
Now back to the action, the story that everyone is following Dysfunction in Big D the Dallas Cowboys. What are they doing in Dallas? How can Jerry Jones really be okay with what's happening and has been happening for several years now? You don't know what I mean. Let's take a look at it Now. This is going to be painful for all you Cowboy fans out there, but I think that it's important to see the truths in the demise.
Speaker 2:
The last time the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl was in 1995. Y'all remember that team. Troy Aikman, emmett Smith, michael Irving, prime Time Deion Sanders. Barry Switzer was the head coach. In 1996, they went 10-6, won the division. Lost in the divisional round. In 1997, they went 6-10, missed the playoffs. 1998, 10-6, won the division but lost in the first round. In 1999, they went 8-8, which was good enough to get in the playoffs. Lost in the first round. From 2000 to 2002, under Dave Campo. Dallas fans remember Dave Campo 5 and 11.
Speaker 2:
All three years no playoffs. In 2003, 10 and 6 lost in the wild card round. 2004, 6 and 10, no playoffs. 2005, 9 and 7, no playoffs. In 2006, 9 and 7 was good enough to make the playoffs. They lost in the first round. 2007, 13 and 3 lost in the divisional round. 2008, 9 and 7 was not good enough for the playoffs, but in 2009, they went 11 and 5 and lost in the divisional round.
Speaker 2:
In 2010, 6 and 10, no playoffs 2011 to 2013,. I like to refer to them as the Dallas 8 and 8s because all three years they went 8 and 8. No playoffs 2014, 12 and 4 lost in the divisional round. 2015, 4 and 12 missed the playoffs. 2016, 13 and 3 lost in the divisional round. 2017, they were 9 and 7 did not make the playoffs, but in 2018, they went 10 and 6 lost in the divisional round. In 2019, they returned to old form and went 8 and 8 missed the playoffs. 2020 was a disaster. 6 and 10 missed the playoffs. 2021 through 2023, they went 12 and 5. Lost twice in the divisional round and lost this year in the first round.
Speaker 2:
Wild card series or matchup and oh yeah, in that span of mediocrity, the Dallas Cowboys have had seven different head coaches. After the game, Dax said this about the team and the suspicion that Mike McCarthy might be fired. Take a listen.
Speaker 3:
I've had the season that I've had because of him. This team has had the success that they've had because of him, and I understand it's about winning the Super Bowl and that's the standard of the league and, damn sure, the standard of this place. So I get it, but add me to the list in that case. So he says add him to the list.
Speaker 2:
Mike McCarthy is the reason for the team's success and his own success this year and that the culture or the standard, to use his word of the league and the team for sure the team is to win Super Bowls. Let that sink in. It's America's team, right, it's them boys. I don't know if Dallas fans realize this or not the hardcore ones will, but it's been 27 years. This team has not been about winning Super Bowl. It's been 27 years and Jerry Jones just committed to continuing this train wreck by deciding to keep Mike McCarthy at least through the start of the final year of his contract. Here's how I see it, folks. I'd give Ray Bull call hey, mike, you get Dak for at least one year. We have Trey Lance on the bench waiting for a fair shot. We've got real weapons on this offense. We need to show up the running back position, but there'll be there'll be a backs in the draft. There will be free agents, talented free agents that can come in and help out, but all in all, you've got weapons. On the offensive side, your defense, when healthy, is one of the top tier defenses in the league. We get rid of Dan Quinn. Let him go find a DC that is willing to adjust in game. Pick a name, they're out there. I'll give you four years. Mike, are you in? That's what I would do. Tell me I'm wrong. Cowboy fans, tell me I'm wrong. But here's the problem. I Would make that call.
Speaker 2:
Many of you may make that call, or a similar one. Jerry Jones won't, and that For 27 years has been the problem in big D, the catalyst for this dysfunction of America's team. It's what it is. So while we wait for the offseason and the train works, to that will ensue. I'll be watching. We have eight teams left in the playoffs. The divisional series is this weekend and, man, they're gonna be some great games. I'm so looking forward to it. I don't think there's a blowout in any of those matchups, not one. I think they're all gonna be Playoff worthy type of games. But before we get into that, let's do player spotlights.
Speaker 2:
It's time for speed the clock who are you sports talk player spot? All right on the list for player spotlight we have three today all of them QB's, all of them on winning teams, for obvious reasons, and the first one is CJ Stroud. What an incredible rookie season this young man has had, starting his first playoff game at home that helps, going 16 for 21, throw in for 274 yards in three touchdowns One hell of a game for CJ Stroud. One hell of a year. I expect this young man to be the league's rookie of the year and I I would not be surprised if he garnered a few MVP votes. This team has definitely overachieved and CJ Stroud, along with D'Amico Ryan, has been a huge part of that. Second on the player spotlight list is Jordan love. What about Jordan love? Do you not love in this? In this year's development I mean his development has been crazy. I heard Colin Cowherd say this that Jordan love, out of any young quarterback, had made the largest leap in the middle of a year as far as improvement goes that he had ever seen, and I had to think about it and I Couldn't think of any other case where this had happened. He is 100% right in this and it's been an incredible year, jordan loving his first playoff game on the road Against the mighty Dallas Cowboys. Please hear the intentional sarcasm. He threw for 16, or he threw 16 of 21 for 272 yards and three touchdowns. Great game, great performance. His first game on the road in a dome probably helped, but he wasn't feeling nerves or at least he was not showing it and he was slinging the ball all over the all over the field. That game was over before it ever started. It was 27 to nothing before the half and and most of most of Dallas's score and happened in garbage time in the second half. So Shout out to this kid Jordan love. You know I would love to do a comparison on his first playoff game to Aaron Rodgers, and we probably will at some point, but this kid is special and I look forward to seeing what he does, continuing on through the playoffs and for his career.
Speaker 2:
And Last but certainly not least, the Bucks. Baker Mayfield is on this list. What a story. Baker has been his fourth team in his career after the car crash, start, dumpster fire, start to his career in Cleveland, multiple head coaches, multiple OCs being traded to the Panthers, who virtually left him on the side of the road for the Rams to pick up Bed on himself, gave the Bucks a discount, came in to compete with Kyle Trask, won the job and has played.
Speaker 2:
I mean, with a few hiccups here and there, mostly lights out this year he's out of running game. Despite the drops, despite injuries to receivers, baker Mayfield, playing at the level that he's playing with, with the tenacity that he's playing with, elevates his teammates and that offense in ways that you can't put on a stat sheet. But Baker Mayfield, 22 for 36 or 22 of 36, 337 yards and three touchdowns absolute stud over what felt like the favorites. Philly had the better year, the better start, the better record, seemingly the better players, and Baker Mayfield leads the Bucks to victory in the wild card game. So that right there, everybody out there listening, is our player spotlight.
Speaker 1:
Each time for beat the clock. Who are you Sports?
Speaker 2:
Talk Player.
Speaker 1:
Spotlight.
Speaker 2:
All right, getting to the divisional round Very interesting games this weekend. Like I said, I don't think any of them are going to be blowouts. I think all of them are close games. I think they're all really hard fought games. There's at least going to be one thriller on the cards and I'll go ahead and pick that. That's Bill's at home versus the Chiefs. Josh Allen's history against the Chiefs is this he handles them very well in the season, the regular season, and cannot beat them in the playoffs. But I'm going to pick Allen to finally get this one in the playoffs. Here's an interesting fact this is Mahomes' first playoff road game in his career. I mean that just shows how dominant this Chiefs team has been, but also reflects that they've obviously taken a step back. So I'm picking Allen to finally get one in the playoffs over Mahomes. I think if he protects the ball that you know that this offense is too explosive for that Chiefs defense and I expect this to be a thriller, maybe an overtime game. But I have the Bills coming out on top at home. They are the favorites because of the home field, but I like the Bills.
Speaker 2:
The next matchup is also in the AFC Ravens versus Texans. I'm gonna pick the Ravens because if not now, then win for this team. I think it's time for Lamar Jackson to finally show that he is the MVP Calvert Player, that he's likely to be voted this year and that he has been voted in the past and that all of us on the outside seem to defend and protect objectively as we watch his career develop. Injuries have sidelined him before in multiple years recently and playoffs have not been success stories for Lamar Jackson. I think it's time for him to finally get over the hump and handle his business in the playoffs. I just think that this Texans team it's set up well for the Ravens because this Texans team has emerged very early in their development and found some very early success with this young team. I just don't know that they're ready for this stage of success. The Texans have a huge ceiling if they stay on this path and I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out for them in the future. But this is not their year. It is not their turn. The Ravens are big favorites by nine and a half. I do expect this to be a closer game than that. If I was betting, I would take the Texans and I don't expect the Ravens to cover. But in the cold, in that atmosphere up there in Baltimore, I just think the Texans are a bit out of their element and the Ravens should win this game.
Speaker 2:
Going to the NFC, I've got the 49ers over the Packers Again. The Niners are stacked top to bottom. Green Bay is a young and the moment may be too big. It seems like an easy pick, but I do feel there's enough fight in Green Bay. The elements are not gonna bother them. They play out in Lambo field, the frozen tundra, they're, you know their. There's. Their stadium is just as ruckus as the 49ers stadium and so I don't see the elements being a big problem for them. I think it's just gonna be experience. This is a young team in Green Bay and the 49ers have been here before and and they just seem like a juggernaut in the NFC. So I've got the 49ers again winning in a pretty close game. I would say two scores, I'd say a two-score game, two scores late, and, and the 49ers pulled away in the fourth To take this win. However, having said that, I will go on record saying this If I had to choose an upset in the Texans and Ravens game or the Packers 49ers game, I think the Packers have the best chance to upset the 49ers, more so than the Texans over the Ravens. And so I will not be surprised if we come back next week to evaluate this and we're talking about the 49ers being put out and the Packers upsetting them. So take that for what it's worth. I Would not be surprised. But as if I was betting this game, I would not bet the Packers.
Speaker 2:
And lastly, in the NFC, the matchup I certainly am waiting for, I am taking my buccaneers and Baker Mayfield over the Detroit Lions on the road. Defense is gonna be key in this game. Ball quarterback pressure who's gonna get to the quarterback? Who's you know who's gonna create havoc in the backfield? I'm looking for the Bucks to be able to do that If the offensive line for Tampa Bay shows up and plays a solid game, keeps Baker healthy. I think that there's some holes in this in the Detroit Lions secondary that that can be exposed. We certainly have the weapons to do it if the, if those young receivers can, can catch the ball. If Mike William I'm sorry Mike Williams Mike Evans Doesn't fall into this, this pattern of uncharacteristic drops that he found himself in last week, I think that there's a lot of opportunities to expose this Detroit secondary and I'm looking for Baker Mayfield and co to do that. So I've got the Bucks Over the Lions, which will be considered an upset. Considering the seating, however, this is a really close matchup. It was a. It was a really good regular season game. I am going to take the Bucks because, yes, the Bucks revenge tour is still going. I look I'm looking toward getting out of Detroit and heading to San Francisco and continuing the tour there. So that's my picks.
Speaker 2:
Go on social media. Let me know what you think. Leave comments in the in the show. I'm open to them. I'll respond to as many as I can try to respond to all of them, you know. But there is a section in the, in the show description, for leaving comments and reviews and things like that. And let's, let's talk about, start the conversation, let me hear your voice. But yeah, it's a short show. Today All I can say is I can't wait to get back on here next week and talk about the outcomes of these games. No matter what, I'm expecting really close, old-school, tough nose football out of all of these games and I am here for it. So until next time, check the link in the show description for all the show's social medias like follow, subscribe, hit those notification bells so that you never miss. With content is drop. I am the ant man. This is beat the clock, you.