Long Live the Panic Bowl

Greetings sports fans. Before I get into my blog I want to sincerely apologize for being MIA the last two weeks. I've had some major life shifts going on and my blogging has suffered because of it. I'm back though and will be blogging regularly again. Let's go!

Entering week 6 of the NFL season who would have thought the Vikings and Cowboys would both be struggling for a win. I presume they're not as bad as the destitute 49ers, who despite having only one win on the year, one NFL analyst who shall remain nameless picked them to reach the Superbowl. However, both the Vikings and Cowboys entered the 2010 season highly touted for a stellar year.

The Vikings had QB Brett Favre back again after yet another tumoltuous offseason filled with the constant "will he or won't he retire" splendor. Once defensive sack master Jared Allen, among other fellow Vikings, flew down to Hattiesburg to physically retrieve Favre and bring him back to Minnesota, the team now was looking toward another run at a Superbowl.

Further south, the Cowboys and flamboyant owner Jerry Jones had their sights set on making it to their first Superbowl of the new millenium. Sudden star Miles Austin, rookie sensation Dez Bryant, and a finally healthy Felix Jones were expected to lead the 'Boys into the Big Show after years of postseason blunder.

Nothing has worked out that way for either team though. Star Vikings WR Sidney Rice had hip surgery before the season and will miss at least eight games. Grasping at straws in their receiving corps, the Vikings traded for disgruntled Patriots Pro Bowler Randy Moss hoping to provide a boost on offense. The Cowboys haven't struggled too much with injuries, but rather with mental mistakes. Too many flags have been thrown their way and on stupid things like excessive endzone celebration. Come on son.

When the week 6 match up between the Vikings and Cowboys came up, it was fittingly dubbed the Panic Bowl. Two teams who no one thought would be in this position were panicking already in week 6. The Vikings remained calm, however, and topped the Cowboys 24-21. Miles Austin gave the 'Boys yet another yellow flag after leap frogging Roy Williams in the Vikings endzone after a superior TD. What was he thinking? It seems Mr. Austin's inflated bank account isn't the only thing that's blown up lately. His head seems to have gotten pretty bloated as well. Now the question is when and if the Cowboys can get it together this season. Their offense appears solid and their defense excellent. So what exactly is their problem? Why can't they win?

Seems like the Cowboys' main issue doesn't lie on the field, but instead in the cushy comfort of a luxury suite high above the 50 yard line.

Copyright Marisa A. Ross