Finish The Fight! Cowboys destroy the Redskins to finish 4-0 in December

Finish The Fight: My 5 Points Cowboys vs Redskins
by. William C. Walker Jr.

Photo: Michael Ainsworth/Staff Photographer

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Orlando Scandrick (32) is separated by strong safety Barry Church (42) and a referee as he scuffled with Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) during the second half of the Dallas Cowboys-Washington Redskins NFL football game at FedEx Field in Landover, MD, on Dec 28, 2014. (Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News)

December 29, 2014

No one, I mean no one saw the Cowboys winning 12 games this year.  After a 28-7 half in week one down to the San Francisco 49ers, there's no way you thought Dallas would be the team at 12-4 and San Francisco would be the team finishing 8-8.  Yet that's where we are after the Cowboys rout the Redskins with a 44-17 victory.  Up next the Detroit Lions at the Death Star(AT & T Stadium) to open the playoffs. All year long Jason Garrett has been preaching the mantra "Finish The Fight" so with the last game of the schedule that's what the Cowboys did.  So without further adieu here are my 5 points of Cowboys vs. Redskins.

5. The Starters Play: All week leading up to the game Jason Garrett spoke of how the starters would play this game.  The Cowboys put in the effort that it was business as usual.  Much had been discussed do you risk your starters when there's very little chance you'd move from the 3rd spot.  Surely after the Cowboys start off the game 27-7 scoring on each of their first 5 possessions the starters would sit.  No, Romo and Murray didn't sit until 2 minutes to go in the game.  Initially I'll admit I was screaming "What's Garrett Thinking!?"  But then I flashed back to 2007 when the Cowboys had already locked up home field advantage and were 12-2 going into the last game against Washington.  Leading into that game the Cowboys hadn't been playing their best ball.  The starters played a quarter and Washington killed them. That team went on to be upset by the Giants.  So after remembering all of that I'm completely ok with this team keeping their edge.

4. Record Breakers: After Romo passed Troy Aikman last week to become the Cowboys all-time leader in passing yards.  DeMarco Murray passed Emmitt Smith to own the single season rushing record in Cowboys history with 1845 yards on 393 carries.  If Murray wasn't enough to make Cowboys happy or excited for this new set of triplets.  Let's add Dez Bryant breaking the Cowboys single season touchdown receptions record with 16, after adding 2 more scores.  The combination of Dez and DeMarco continue to make the Cowboys offense a scary proposition for any defense.  Evidence of this was on Dez Bryant's first touchdown when Washington removed the safety over the top, and sent a sold out blitz.  Romo hit Dez on a quick pass that Bryant took for 65 yards.  If teams want to focus on the run, Bryant can burn them with the pass.  If teams want to try and stop the pass then Murray can gash them with the run.  This is the best spot to be leading into the playoffs.

3. Relatively Healthy: Part of the fear and issue that was prevalent going into this game, was the fear of injury.  Thankfully that wasn't a major issue as Dallas escapes relatively healthy.  There were definitely a few scares.  Like DeMarco Murray being blasted on a helmet to helmet hit, or Cole Beasley nearly being decapitated.  Fingers crossed that rookie linebacker Anthony Hitchens high ankle sprain isn't too serious because that'd be a big piece.  Also finding out that DT Henry Melton may be out the rest of the season with a knee injury is also troubling.  However the majority of the team is healthy which is the important thing.

2. Defensive Dominance:  Lost in all the talk of the starters playing, and the offensive dominance that's been on display is the play of this defense.  Yesterday the Cowboys over-achieving unit shined again.  After giving up a touchdown on a 69 yard screen play to DeSean Jackson the defense destroyed Washington.  Once again the defense came up with 4 turnovers, 2 interceptions by Bruce Carter, and 2 forced fumbles one that was returned for a touchdown.  I love the way the offense has been playing, but this D that could barely get sacks or turnovers has been doing both this month.  Which brings me to my last point.

1. December to Remember: The Cowboys finish the month of December at 4-0!  For years not even going back to the Parcells era Dallas has been struggling in the month of December.  Now it could've been the fact that entering December at 8-4 Dallas was set to have to win each game just to possibly make the playoffs.  But no one could've seen the dominance that they've displayed in each game this month.  The Cowboys offense becomes the first team in franchise history to score at least 5 touchdowns in 4 consecutive games.  The Cowboys have outscored opponents 165-79 this month the defense has forced 3 or more turnovers in each of the last 4 games.  Finally the Cowboys are entering the playoffs with a freight train of momentum not seen since the dynasty of the 90s. Now a lot of my family and friends have told me to calm down in regards to my expectations for the Cowboys this postseason.  I'm not going to guarantee that the Boys are going to win it all, but there's this crazy feeling I have about this team that I haven't had in a long time.  So with the playoffs about to be underway let's go Cowboys FINISH THE FIGHT!

My Christmas Must-Sees

My Christmas Must-Sees
by. William C. Walker Jr.

December 24, 2014

Christmas is without a doubt by far my favorite holiday.  It's not even close Thanksgiving is cool, New Year's is fun and who doesn't like a good BBQ on the 4th of July. But Christmas is the holiday that is the absolute best. So with less than 24 hours to go before the big day, I decided to share my top 5 must see Christmas movies.  These aren't the best movies in the world, though they are pretty great. These are the movies that I look forward to seeing every Christmas. Doesn't matter how many times I've seen them, they just put a smile on my face and puts me in the mood for the holiday.  So grab a bowl of popcorn and take a look at my list, see if your movie made the cut.

5. Elf (2003)- I was supremely tempted to put Home Alone here which is a movie me and brothers watched over and over again. But no I decided to put Will Ferrell's instant classic.  Just as Ferrell was breaking into super stardom we got this gem. Directed by Jon Favreau, Will Ferrell played Buddy a human child raised by elves after stowing away in Santa's slay.  I defy anyone to watch this movie and not laugh hysterically as Ferrell a grown man sits on Bob Newhart's lap.  With a mix of Ferrell's man-child antics and old school Christmas sentiment that would fit perfectly in Christmas specials from back in the day Elf is pure gold.

4. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)- This was a really weird movie to me as a kid.  Yet I remember loving it when I watched it, and it's stuck with me.  Tim Burton seemed to make up a kids movie that wasn't sugary sweet or corny.  The concept itself was totally unique and something you'd never seen before.  Before Pixar completely took over the animation game we got this awesome movie.  Lead by a crazy character like Jack Skeleton the Pumpkin King and official head of Halloween town.  Like most Disney movies of course it had musical numbers that stay with you, and Danny Elfman a constant Burton collaborator provided some musical diamonds.  I remember loving Beetlejuice and Burton wrote a story that took that same aesthetic and put into a Christmas story.

3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)/Scrooged(1988) - Okay I'm cheating a little bit here but seeing how these two movies are both a re-telling of Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol.  Besides there are a ton of Christmas Carol remakes and reduxes yet these two are a cut above.  First off the Muppets alone always made me laugh.  I remember watching reruns of their old TV show on TNT.  As well as remembering how much I loved The Muppets Take Manhattan or the Great Muppet Caper. Yet by far The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best to me.  Putting the Muppets in the perfect roles like Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, the two old guys as Marley & Marley.  Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, I just remember cracking up constantly at the crazy antics.  All the while keeping the complete essence of Dickens classic.

First off Bill Murray is flat out awesome period.  So how could you not like Richard Donner's modern take (at least for the 80s) on A Christmas Carol?  Murray plays a TV executive Frank Cross that's lost his way during the Christmas season.  What makes the story even more great is how Cross's story intersects while his network prepares for a live Christmas broadcast of A Christmas Carol.  It's just hilarious to watch Murray go through the day losing it as the various ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future present themselves.  I watch Scrooged every year and thanks to Netflix the tradition stays alive.  Plus what network would actually run a Promo like the one below? LOL!

2. A Christmas Story(1983)- Come on now you can't make a Christmas movie list and not include this movie.  TBS shows this thing for 24 hours starting at midnight on Christmas Eve.  You know what? I'm not mad at them, you can't tell me a person that doesn't know where lines like "You'll shoot your eye out!", "Oh Fudge", or "I double dog dare you" come from.  It's instantly quotable and a movie that's safe for everyone in the family to see.  Plus it's just a movie that no matter how old I get instantly reminds me of what it's like to be a kid wanting your parents to get a certain toy. Plus the feeling of being mad when you open the box to get an ugly sweater.

1. Die Hard (1988)- Look I know many may say that A Christmas Story should've been tops on my list. But let's face it Die Hard isn't just a great Christmas movie, it's one of the greatest action movies of all time! This movie set the gold standard for terrorist/hostage action the fact that it takes place during Christmas is just a bonus!  But what doesn't say holiday cheer like a dead bad guy dressed as Santa and dropped through an elevator shaft.  Nothing makes you appreciate the family more than seeing an estranged husband beat to heck and bloody coming to his wife's rescue. Come on they even incorporate holiday sleigh bells into the score!  Yes that's right Die Hard is the number 1 Christmas movie.

So there you have it my Christmas must-see movies.  Let me know what you think agree disagree?  What's your Christmas must-sees?

Honorable Mentions: As said before Home Alone, Gremlins another one that was so close to making the cut, It's A Wonderful Life, Batman Returns it's Batman at Christmas time come on, Mickey's Christmas Carol, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

How The East Was Won! My 5 Points

My 5 Points: Cowboys vs. Colts
by. William C. Walker Jr.

December 21, 2014

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!! After three straight years of going into the last game of the season with a chance to win the NFC East.  The Dallas Cowboys finally completed the task, and did before the last game of the season.  As soon as the Pigeons of Philadelphia (aka Eagles) wet the bed in a loss to the Washington Redskins Saturday night the stage was set for Sunday.  Win and the Cowboys would be in the postseason and win the NFC East for the first time since 2009. Sit back and let's take a look at my 5 points of the Cowboys vs Colts.

5. All On The Line: With DeMarco Murray having a broken left hand, more than ever the offensive line had to perform at a high level.  That's exactly what this young group did.  Even though the Cowboys only averaged 3 yards a carry they stuck with their game plan of a balanced attack.  Romo by the way had all day to sit back and pick the Colts defense apart.  Week after week this offensive line continues to cement their claim as being the best in the league.  Now with a chance at a playoff run they could add to the resume.

4. Defensive Dominance: Part of the reason the Cowboys continue to shock naysayers this season rest upon this defense.  This unheralded unit saved their best performance for last.  Facing the league's leader in passing yards and touchdowns Colts qb Andrew Luck the defense dominated.  At one point in the first half Tony Romo had more touchdown passes then Luck had completions.  Similar to the start last week in Philadelphia the defense forced the Colts to consecutive 3 & outs.  The Cowboys roared to a 21-0 lead, unlike in Philly there was no comeback.  If the defense can continue to raise their game to match the offense's level this team can make serious noise in the playoffs.

3. DeMarco All Guts: With a chance to clinch the NFC East DeMarco Murray refused not to play.  Just have surgery on his broken left hand on Monday, Murray could've elected to sit this game out.  He didn't and while he didn't rush for over a hundred yards for only the 4th time this season, he did add a score.  As well as in spite of his broken hand was instrumental during blitz pick-ups assisting Romo in having one of his best days ever.  If anyone ever questions DeMarco's heart of passion for the game, have that person committed because they're insane.

2. Pick Your Poison: With the Colts selling out determined to stop the run, they continued to leave themselves vulnerable to the pass.  Romo happily accepted the challenge, but this passing attack is becoming more than simply Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.  While both of those superstars did reach the end zone.  Teams are going to having to take account of blitz beater Cole Beasley who got into the end zone for the 4th time in the last 3 games. After slowing down after a hot start to the season Terrance Williams re-emerged as a deep threat also scoring twice.  This offensive is going to be hard to stop with the multitude of weapons at Tony Romo's disposal.

1. ROMO ON FIRE!: Tony Romo may not have thrown for a ton of yards, but this arguably could have been his best game ever.  Add in the fact that with this game he's become the all time leading passer in franchise history.  He didn't have his second incomplete pass until the 4th quarter. Romo finished the game 18-20 218 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Setting a new career high with 15 straight completions, he was one completion away from breaking Kurt Warner's completion percentage record.  Romo has said that his best football is ahead of him, with performances like this it doesn't seem like he's lying.  Even more encouraging was the movement he continued to display looking the healthiest he's been all year.  When nothing was there multiple times Romo escaped the pocket to gain yards.  This was things he couldn't do only a few weeks ago.  Every loss that the Cowboys have suffered this season has stemmed from Romo's health.  The first game to San Francisco, being knocked out in the Monday night game vs Washington, unable to play against Arizona, and finally on Thanksgiving playing on only 2 days rest against Philadelphia.  If the Cowboys choose to rest Romo next week against the Redskins I like the thought of a Tony Romo with an extra week of rest entering the PLAYOFFS!

during the first half of their NFL football game in Arlington on Dec 21, 2014. Michael Ainsworth/The Dallas Morning News

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches a touchdown in front of Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler

Bonus Point: December Boys!: A lot was made of the Cowboys December slump.  Even facing a horrible Chicago Bears team people doubted the team.  After being embarrassed on Thanksgiving by the Philadelphia Eagles again more doubt.  Finally with a chance to win the NFC East thanks to an Eagles loss, there were those that doubted the Cowboys to beat the Colts.  After all the doubts the COWBOYS are 3-0 in DECEMBER!!!!!!!

Not Funny: How Sony's decision to cancel theatrical release of The Interview sends a bad message

Not Funny
by. William C. Walker Jr.

December 17, 2014

So yeah that happened today.  Sony actually cancelled the theatrical release of The Interview, after terrorists threatened a 9/11 like attack if the movie was released.  For weeks now we've all looked at the reports of leaked emails between Sony executives and employees.  Some reports contained some funny/interesting insights into movies that could've been.  Petty snipes and jabs at well-known celebrities and exposures of employees personal conversations.  I'll admit I was devouring every tidbit that was released in regards to Sony's plans for the Spider-Man franchise.  One such detail that I pray would come true which was allowing Marvel Studios to take over the story development.  But I'm going off on a tangent.  Let me get back on track in regards to what this post was about.  Sony's decision to cancel the release of The Interview.  The comedy directed and starring Seth Rogen and James Franco.  I could not disagree more with Sony's decision here, it's kind of sad to be honest.  I'm not saying that because The Interview looks like some great piece of celluloid artistry.  It's just the fact that they've actually caved in to terrorism.  I'm not saying you shouldn't use common sense, even though I feel like common sense is lost on many in this country at times.  When someone is talking about 9/11 like attacks it's hard to ignore.  Especially when just a couple years ago there was a horrible movie theater attack in Colorado at the premiere of The Dark Knight Rises.  So it's not outside the realm of possibility that something could happen.  But what's the message you're now sending to any group that wants to strike fear or put a stop to free speech?

Look I get it I feel like this was more a financial decision rather than a safety one.  If movie chains didn't think that the threat was going to keep customer's away from seeing The Hobbit, or if The Interview was guaranteed to make 100 million this weekend trust me this movie would have opened.  So what would happen in the future when say a film maker wants to make a true depiction of what takes place inside North Korea.  Say a Saving Private Ryan like look at the harsh realities inside a seriously poor country being run by psychopath that had his own uncle executed.  Will anyone even dare make a film like this?  If this is the reaction chances are slim to none.  But let's just get away from North Korea all together.  Soon the film Selma will be released.  The movie depicts the actions and life of Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement taking place in Selma, Alabama.  Now let's say some white supremacist group doesn't what people to view this film.  So they threaten to shed blood to all those that want to attend it's premiere.  Will theaters react the same way and pull the film. The crazy thing to me is there are journalist that work in war torn or totalitarian countries. Where their lives are literally on the line in trying to report on atrocities of those in power.  Yet that threat doesn't stop them from doing their job.  I mean could you imagine if this year they decided to cancel The Boston Marathon after the bombing last year.  Wasn't the theme and point of the marathon this year showing those that tried to spread fear and panic, that we would not live in fear. Again I know it's crazy to get so serious about a stoner comedy like The Interview, but the cowering to terrorist demands isn't anything to take lightly.  Part of the beauty of America is the fact that we celebrate freedom.   If there can be a horrible TV show that parodies a Black Jesus living in the hood facing ghetto situations.  How can you not have a movie that's a pure comedy be released?  I'll be honest I really didn't have a desire to see the movie when I first saw the preview.  Except when a group of criminals come out to try and tell me what I can or can't do in a FREE COUNTRY, it made me like I"m seeing this movie.  Look if you feel nervous about going to the movies because of a threat that makes sense.  It's just the message that's being sent is that if you don't like something make a threat of violence, then you'll get what you want.  That's something that seriously is not funny.

We Dem Boyz! My 5 Points

My 5 Points: Cowboys vs. Eagles
by William C. Walker Jr.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dwayne Harris (17) celebrates a touchdown after Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) scored in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of play at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, on Sunday, December 14, 2014. (Vernon Bryant/The Dallas Morning News)

December 15, 2014

As painful and agonizing was the loss to the Eagles on Thanksgiving, tonight it was just as equally euphoric and joyous! I hate the Eagles, hate them with a passion so deep it's beyond subterranean.  So going into this game 17 days after the Eagles win, I was so fired up.  Fired up because the loser of this game was going to need serious help to get into the playoffs.  So before I explode here are my 5 POINTS ON THE COWBOYS WIN OVER THE EAGLES!

5. A Perfect Start: From the opening kickoff you couldn't have asked for a better start if you're a Cowboys fan.  The Eagles have the best special teams in the league 10 touchdowns this season on returns.  So it's not surprising that Dallas would try to limit the Eagles chances, but the very first kickoff goes so short that Dallas actually recovered the ball.  Next a great pass to Dez Bryant who is a MAN amongst boys, Dallas 7-0.  Next the defense forces a 3 & out boom Dallas 14-0, next another 3 and out Dallas 21-0.  Dallas came out to dominate and that's what they did early.

4. TRASH THE ZONE: Look the defense put in a great performance to start the game.  They also put up a great defensive performance at the end of the game.  But in-between it was flat out awful, and it started with the ZONE!!! Look the Cowboys can't play zone they don't have the personnel for it plain and simple.  Once Dallas went up by 21 they had the Eagles in a 3rd & 7 next Eagles tight-end Brent Celek found a hole in the zone coverage and got a big first down.  Mark Sanchez with no pressure was able to pick apart the zone easily finding wide open receivers.  Going forward Dallas either needs to seriously repair their zone coverage or dump all together. I vote for the latter.

3. The Real Mark Sanchez Stood Up: Now once Dallas realized the zone was not working after they gave up 24 unanswered points.  The Cowboys offense re-took the lead at 28-24.  Next the defense re-emerged thanks to the help of Mark Butt Fumble Sanchez.  The Eagles lead the league in turnovers.  I don't care how fast your offense score, if you're turning the ball over you will lose.  That's what Mark Sanchez does best.  After Dallas scored and took the lead at the end of the 3rd Quarter Sanchez throws a horrible pass that gets picked off by safety J.J. Wilcox.  Holding the ball to long once Dallas switched to Man lead to Sanchez eating the turf over and over again.  Finally with the game on the line down by 8 what's next for Mr. Sanchez another pick to Bruce Carter to end the game.  That made the 4th turnover of the game which Dallas was able to get 17 points from!

2. The Road Warriors: Dallas is the only team in the NFL that is now undefeated on the road!  With the win in Philly this team moves to 7-0.  There's a toughness to this team that hasn't been there in years past.  Even after blowing a 21-0 lead giving up 24 unanswered, last year this would've been another example of Dallas pathetically snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.  But this team rose up reloaded and "Finished The Fight" which has been head coach Jason Garrett's mantra this year. Tony Romo has now thrown 21 TD to 1 interception while on the road!  With play like that at the QB position there's no wonder your team is 7-0 on the road.  Now if they can bottle the effort and execution that they display on the road to use at home this team can make some noise!

1. DEZ BRYANT!!!: With the Eagles D keying on DeMarco Murray all night long Dez Bryant stepped up in a huge way.  Six catches 114 yards and 3 touchdowns!  Dez Bryant beat Eagles corner back Brandon Fletcher like a runaway slave!  When the Cowboys were down it was big plays to Dez Bryant that got the Cowboys back into the game.  Dez sent a message tonight to the entire league.  If you want to load up the box and try to stop DeMarco Murray he will burn you over the top.  Single coverage is nowhere near enough to stop this man!  Bryant now has 13 touchdowns on the season a career high.  Without a doubt a new contract is on the way!  Dez has established himself as the clear number two wide receiver in the league behind only Detroit's Calvin Johnson, but look out Calvin.  DEZ IS COMING!

Bonus Point: 2-0 IN DECEMBER: The Cowboys are 2 wins or 1 win and 1 Eagles loss away from clinching the NFC East!  After the last 3 years of 8-8 and collapsing in the month of December.  The Cowboys are now 2-0 in the month with 2 games to go.  The thing is after losing to Philly on Thanksgiving they had to win out to get in the playoffs.  One can hope the injury to RT Doug Free isn't too serious, because finally this team is healthy for the final stretch.  So the Cowboys have 2 more games in December and hopefully will lead to some games in January!