Marion Barber

Cowboys Training Camp 2011: Top 5 To-Do List

Well, are you ready for some?​Arrived in San Antonio this morning and will attend owner Jerry Jones' State of the Franchise press conference at 3 p.m. in The Alamodome. (After an off-season of relative silence and so many topics to cover, this baby could go 90 minutes.) In the post-lockout ... More >>

Football. Finally.

​Day 132 of the NFL lockout is going to be the last. When the NFL Players Association's 11-man executive committee formally agrees to accept the owners' labor proposal this morning -- around 10 a.m. -- it will effectively end a boring, maddening off-season. As the league's approximate 1,900 ... More >>

There's an Important Basketball Game in the Metroplex Tonight Played by the Dallas ... Cowboys

Everson vs. Irvin, hoops style​If the Mavs-Thunder somehow doesn't do it for you, how about some Colonial golf out in Fort Worth or even a basketball game played by football players? After delivering a eulogy for his dear friend Ron Springs at his Carrollton funeral this morning, forme ... More >>

With Tyron Smith, Jerry Jones Finally Resisted the Glitz

If there's less post-draft buzz than usual, it's because the Cowboys for once went substance over style.

Cowboys' 2011 NFL Draft: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. The pick of Southern Cal offensive lineman Tyron Smith isn't sexy, but it's savvy. Thumbs up. And he says he doesn't like jewelry. Two thumbs up. 9. Fifth-rounder and former Cedar Hill star Josh Thomas is physical and a good tackler in the secondary, but you wonder about a four-year ... More >>

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones can get more out of new head coach Jason Garrett by being less controlling. But is that possible?

After a Surprisingly Good Season, Jon Kitna is Done in Dallas. Sorta.

​On the short list of Dallas Cowboys' highlights this season: Dez Bryant. Mat McBriar. And, yes, Jon Kitna. After not playing a single snap in 2009, there were concerns about Tony Romo's 39-year-old backup. We all remember the disaster that was Brad Johnson. But after being pr ... More >>

Accountability, Shame and Wealth: A Review of My 2010 NFL Predictions

​You can say I botched my 2010 NFL prognostications. But you can't say I ran and hid from my errors. There's hope for me surviving this thing, as I have Big Ten Buffoonery dough coming in, tonight's Megamillions jackpot is up to $330 million and I actually sneaked by with a profit b ... More >>

Whitt's Merten's End: 12.31.10

One of Sports Pickle's best photos of 2010​It's been a fun two weeks, sports fans. Richie's back on Monday, but before I give him back his blog, here are some week-end thoughts before I go. *Sunday's Cowboys-Eagles game looks like it might be the first NFL start for Stephen McGee as Jon Kitna ... More >>

Dallas Cowboys: The Defense Rests

​A proud franchise that once upon a time won Super Bowls behind a Doomsday Defense is these days shackled to the most disappointing season in team history by a defense that is simply doomed. Back in training camp down in The Alamodome in San Antonio, head coach Wade Phillips trumpeted&nb ... More >>

Whitt's End: 12.10.10

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *In the ALCS, the Rangers beat the Yankees in six games. In the pursuit of Cliff Lee, looks like the Yankees will beat the Rangers in seven years. *I've been rough on the Rangers, who at one point ... More >>

Cowboys 35, Lions 19: My Top 10 Observer-ations

​10. Two-game winning streak be damned, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn't getting too caught up in his team's re-booting: "I want to say it again: No fan should think I'm happy with the way things are," Jones said after his team's win Sunday at Cowboys Stadium. "I'm happy having these two ... More >>

Cowboys-Dolphins: Anything to See Here?

Nothing this dramatic tonight. Guaranteed.​Tonight at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington the home team "regulars" won't play. The Miami Dolphins will use their starters. Other than a juicy wagering opportunity, here are a couple things to keep your eye on as the Cowboys mercifully end the lo ... More >>

Texans 23, Cowboys 7: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Cowboys' punter Mat McBriar kicked four times Saturday. He launched a 61-yarder in the third quarter, had a net average of 50.8 and pinned Houston inside the 20 twice. So much for the good news. 9. I understand this was a practice game. An exhibition. A glorified scrimmage.&nbs ... More >>

Cowboys Training Camp 8.3.10: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Regarding Brett Favre's latest, but certainly not last retirement, I think Cowboys' linebacker Bradie James put it best: "Don't care." 9. Tip for autograph seekers at The Alamodome: Get a roster. When Jason Hatcher walks off the field toward the tunnel, "Hey, 97!" isn't going to steer hi ... More >>

Grade The Cowboys' Draft: A For Effort?

Better than Bobby?​The good news: The Dallas Cowboys likely drafted the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year and a linebacker who will signal the end of the Bobby Carpenter era. The bad news: The Dallas Cowboys still don't have a play-making free safety or any depth along the offensive line. ... More >>

Okay, Football's Over. On to 2010 and What?

​Yeah, yeah. Who Dat and all that. Congratulations. Hug a troubled city. Now, let's move on. To 2010. Next season is now this season. When the NFL kicks off next season your Dallas Cowboys will be a favorite to play in Super Bowl XLV next Februrary in Arlington. According to one online g ... More >>

2009 Cowboys in Review: My 10 Fave Plays

​I'm generally considered a pissy guy with a half-glass-empty view of the world around attacking me. But there are times when I can be joyfully hopeful. The Cowboys' season ended with a resounding 34-3 thud, but there were plenty of warm-n-fuzzy moments to keep us both satisfied about '09 and ... More >>

Wowboys 34, Beagles 14: My Top 10 Observations

​10. Spit Happens. So do three-game sweeps that finally, unequivocally bury memories of 44-6. 9. Cowboys at Vikings next Sunday at noon. Get ready for a week of Tony-Romo-is-a-younger-Brett-Favre comparisons. One thing's for sure: Cowboys are as hot as anyone. During their four-game winning s ... More >>

Wowboys 17, Deadskins 0: My Top 10 Observations

​10. I'm not ready to pronounce it Doomsday III just yet, but that's some impressive defense being played by your Dallas Cowboys. The team's first shutout in six years on the heels of holding the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints to a combined 37 points? Two games against the Washingt ... More >>

Wowboys 24, Aints 17: My Top 10 Observations

​Okay, I'm technically on vacation. But I know the drill. When a dude predicts the Cowboys will lose 45-10 and is flat dead ass wrong, he needs to show up to take his Season's Beatings. Right? So here I am, take your best shot. FYI, I like my crow with a cup of gumbo. 10. Wholly Guacamole!!! ... More >>

Rush to Judgment: Do your Dallas Cowboys Pass Too Much?

​Wade Phillips wants more balance. Jason Witten wants to get back to the "brand." Felix Jones and Tahsard Choice want more touches. You, the Dallas Cowboys fan, just want to win. I think Tony Romo is an elite quarterback and in the NFL you control the clock on the ground and you put poin ... More >>

MartyB Can't Even Get a Second Grader to Throw Him the Ball, But Mayor Tom Will!

Photos by Sam MertenEight-year-old Kendall Tubbs, a second grader who's had type 1 diabetes since she was 3 years old, managed to upstage appearances by Dallas Cowboys tight end Martellus "MartyB" Bennett and former Heisman Trophy winner and Woodrow Wilson High School grad Tim Brown at this morning' ... More >>

Dallas Cowboys' Training Camp: Success Over Circus

​No Terrell Owens. No Pacman Jones. No Michael Vick or Brett Favre or Michael Crabtree. No drama. To which I say ... Yes! Last summer the Dallas Cowboys broke camp fat 'n happy and consumed with personal agendas. After a successful training camp at San Antonio's Alamodome in which the fo ... More >>

Whitt's End: 8.14.09

​Whether you're at the end of your rope or merely the end of your week, welcome to Whitt's End: *Lots of you asking for a breakdown of the latest Arbitron PPM radio ratings for July. Not worth a separate item these days because - yawn - The Ticket's dynasty just rolls on. Dunham & Miller ... More >>

Camp Cowboys Top 10 Observations: Day 2

​Send me your players and/or topics to watch and I'll, well, watch 'em. 10. Goofball or not, Martellus Bennett is a badass. He's got the biggest, softest, best hands on the team. Marty B doesn't catch. He plucks. Expect to see plenty two-tight end sets with him and Jason Witten ... More >>

Cowboys' Camp Questions?

Home Sweet Dome.​A year ago at this time I was pegging the Dallas Cowboys for the "Super Bowl." Last time we saw them however - 44-6 losers in Philly on Dec. 28 - it was "or bust." Coming off 2008's 9-7 disaster, the Cowboys have shedded from their roster the leading receiver (Ter ... More >>

Gimme Shelter | Addition by Subtraction

Jason Garrett: Red Jesus or Red-headed Stepchild?

As you'll read in this week's dead-tree version of The Sportatorium, hitting newstands tomorrow, I think Wade Phillips should be fired. Immediately. No, actually, I think Jerry Jones should've walked down to the sideline in the third quarter of the Philadelphia debacle after Tony Romo unceremonious ... More >>

Nevermores 33, Never Agains 24

Lowlights from the final night at Texas Stadium: *I know the Buccaneers and Eagles lost yesterday and there's still hope for the Cowboys making the playoffs. But what happened Saturday night was inexcusable. *Safety Ken Hamlin, who played in the Pro Bowl last January, was unblocked and had b ... More >>

Choirboys 20, New York Sack Exchange 8

After the two teammates who disconnected last week connected this week, it was a third-string lineman and a third-string running back who ran the Dallas Cowboys past the New York Giants and firmly into their own playoff destiny Sunday night. Running behind beleaguered left guard Cory Procter, ... More >>

Cowboys 115, Steelers 55

I hear we've matriculated from MySpace to Facebook, right?Well, screw me. I never got around to creating a MySpace page. Was reminded why today.Don't tell the teens and the 'tweens - or my wife - but something about the whole deal strikes as, um, ridiculously fraudulent.Like, for example, the fact t ... More >>

Thanksgiving Leftovers

   *Cowboys 34, Seahawks 9. Toldja.    *Isn't it great to have a quarterback who makes plays when plays aren't there to be made? I'm thankful, Tony Romo. Very thankful.   *Turkey sure was good, but the digestion process and my blowout-induced nap was uncomfortab ... More >>

Plowboys 13, Yuckaneers 9

Seriously, What Is Wrong With Tony Romo?

Fresh Start|Who You Callin' Concise?|Please Say "I Don't"|Richie's Women

Oh No, Romo!

Chin Music

Tony Romo's maturation trumps bruises and bumps during dazzling debut

Week 1 Leftovers

You Betcha: Week 2

That ’70s Show

The Top 10 Most Important Dallas Cowboys

America’s Dream

Giant Disgust with Dallas Cowboys

Tony Romo and the Cowboys piss away a Super opportunity

Looking Ahead, 'Cause It’s Too Damn Sickening To Look Back.

Are You Shittin’ Me?

Oh, No, T.O.

Merry Christmas, Cowboys

Save The Date: February 3

America's Extreme

Cowboys tiptoeing line between super and stupor