That's why they have TWO degrees of the penalty: the incidental five-yard infraction and the personal foul, hey-I'm-gonna-twist-your-head-off variety. CLEARLY, what happened on that blocked kick return was a five-yarder, and even the biggest Big D hater would have to agree. Dallas gave them the game, pure and simple.
Having said that, the Cowboys were never a Super Bowl contender even with the T. O. signing, and I can freely admit that. Being a TRUE Cowboys fan, like being a loyal fan of any team in any sport, involves recognizing when your guys need help. We HAVE to get serious about the quarterback position, and that means drafting one in the first round next June, pure and simple. Plus, Jason Witten needs to be utilized more (I COMPLETELY disagree with the two tight end set...what the Hell happened to the fullback position in pro ball?) and they need to quit signing knuckleheads like T. O. and Mike Vanderjagt who, while they obviously have great talent, are major distractions and locker room cancers. And, of course, Jerry Jones must be stopped. The George Steinbrenner of the NFL has NO clue about the game of football, outstanding businessman that he is nonwithstanding. He's run both Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson out of there during his reign, and they are responsible for coaching four of the 'Boys five Super Bowl teams. 'Nuff said.
But let's get real about the 'Skinnies, too: they have no real quarterback, wide receiver is iffy, they STILL haven't figured out how to properly utilize Clinton Portis, and the original Hogs of the '80s, who'd have to be in their fifties by now, could still whip the O-Line the Skins have now. The only two true playoff calibre teams in the NFC East are the Eagles, who have only to combat rampant inconsistency, and the Giants, who need a bit more seasoning from Eli Manning in order to truly contend. I'd be giddy if the 'Boys went 9-7 and missed the playoffs, which would prove that T. O. does more harm than good (which virtually everyone knows already) AND that, in spite of his distractive nature, the team perservered enough to finish above .500. Give me guys like Terry Glenn and Roy Williams any day, guys who just come to work, shut the hell up, and play very, very well. A few more Cowboys like that at key positions (and a few more Redskins, for that matter) would help the cause greatly.