Dallas foots the Bills

It was long overdue, but the Dallas Cowboys were finally able to play a complete game in a 44-7 rout of the Buffalo Bills. The offense scored on their first 4 possessions, and the defense had 4 turnovers, including a "pick 6" by Terence Newman to round up the scoring.

What makes this win even more satisfying is that it came against a credible Buffalo team that looked every bit of a playoff contender as the season began. Three times this season (Jets, Lions & Patriots) Dallas held a considerable lead against good teams, but still ended up on the losing end when all was said and done. The lack of a legit running game, the inability to stop the pass, and woe of woes, the turnovers, are the very reason why the Cowboys are sitting at 5-4, instead of a possible 9-0 or even 8-1.

Murray could be the key to a successful playoff run.

This time however, there would be none of that, as Dallas took the lead and wouldn't relinquish it.  The emergence of DeMarco Murray has given life to a running game that was ineffective when it mattered most.  Felix Jones, the starter prior to a shoulder injury, has previously excelled in the role of a "change of pace" back, using his speed to break big runs.  The success of such plays, however, relies on the kind of run-blocking that can't always be executed on every down. 

A team's ability to run the ball for those "tough yards" does not only close games, but it is critical especially late in the season when race for playoff spots starts to get heated.  And while I'm not questioning Jones' ability as an "every-down" back, it is clear that Murray is more suited to this role. 

The blueprint for Dallas' success in years past has always been a tough defense, and a reliable running game.  There's been some really good running backs that have donned the "star" on their helmets: Duane Thomas, Calvin Hill, Walt Garrison, Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith, just to name a few.  The onus falls on Murray - who already owns the team record for most rushing yards in a single game - to carry on the tradition.

Tony Romo, who has always come under fire for his play during crunch moments, had a lot to smile about.  Other than a really good performance, it was the first time that he was fully healthy since the opening week.  He suffered a rib injury against San Francisco in the following week, but managed to play through the pain to aid a comeback that saw Dallas hand the Niners their only loss to date.

Another revelation has been receiver Laurent Robinson, who has stepped up to fill the shoes of an injured Miles Austin.  Robinson's reliability, and Murray's ability to catch out of the backfield, will only continue to open things up for Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

Despite a considerable lack in depth, the Cowboys defense has played really well, and is the reason the team has even been able to compete in the tough games.  With the offense finally coming alive, their life should get a lot easier as most of their schedule consists of teams that have struggling offenses.

While there are no "gimme" games in the NFL, Dallas is in a great position to run the table, provided they can follow up this big win with similar complete performances.

Palm Reader: Where will Carson Palmer end up next season?

Not too long ago, Carson Palmer said that he would be willing to walk away from football should the Cincinnati Bengals refuse to trade him; a request that team owner Mike Brown has previously denied.  Palmer has once again made it clear of his wish to no longer be a part of the franchise.

He recently put his house up for sale, and rumours have it that Seattle is his preferred destination; where he would be re-united with Pete Carroll, his coach at USC.  Palmer's agent also revealed that he (Palmer) has about $80 million saved up, and is prepared to live off that if need be.  Talk about waaaay too much information.  At least I know whom to hit up for a steak dinner.

In seven seasons as a starter, Palmer has the led the Bengals to two division titles.  The Bengals never advanced past the Wild Card round in either game.  Despite the addition of T.O., Cincinnati only managed a 4-12 record last season.  Palmer was throwing picks left and right, while Chad Ochocinco and T.O were publicly questioning the coaching staff's ability to prepare for games.

Speculation was rife that both Palmer and head coach Marvin Lewis would be gone in the off-season.  However as of now, both are scheduled to be back with team.  Palmer is due something in the neighbourhood of $ 11 million next season, but he's willing to walk away from it.  What does that tell us about the Bengals?

And should Palmer succeed in getting his release, does he still have what it takes to be a successful starter in the league?  Who knows what would have happened had he not been severely injured during that Wild Card game against Pittsburgh back in 2006.  He also had to miss majority of the 2008 season due to an injured elbow.

Obviously we have to see how these labour talks will play out.  Unless he goes to Seattle, I really doubt that he'll be starting for a team come opening day of next season.  That won't bother him at all; just as long as he's not in Cincinnati.