Jean-Jacques Taylor

Jean-Jacques Taylor joined ESPNDallas.com in August 2011. A native of Dallas, Taylor spent the past 20 years writing for The Dallas Morning News, where he covered high schools sports, the Texas Rangers and spent 11 seasons covering the Dallas Cowboys before becoming a general columnist in 2006.

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Jones not doing Tony Romo favors

Jerry Jones says Tony Romo will be more involved, but don't expect his approach to change.

Draft means Garrett has no excuses

The Dallas Cowboys invested heavily to address offensive holes in the draft. Now, Jason Garrett must produce results to save his job in 2013.

Cowboys' moves don't quite add up

Cowboys could have stayed at 18 and picked a talented player and still land Travis Frederick.

Cowboys can't afford to miss in draft

The Cowboys need to find players early in the draft who are ready to start right away.

Garrett controls draft -- and his future

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett runs the draft, and that could determine his future

Cowboys must defend home turf

Cowboys must do better at home to make playoffs and save Jason Garrett's job.

Mavs must find a sidekick for Dirk

Mavs can't afford to enter another season with Dirk as the team's best player.

Cowboys still haunted by 2008 draft

Dallas is still haunted by 2008 draft

Nolan Ryan, Rangers better together

Nolan Ryan's decision to stay is best for everyone, and the Rangers will be better for it.

Ian Kinsler's start is encouraging

Ian Kinsley has a new approach at the plate as he seeks bigger things.

Boo Josh Hamilton -- then let go

Boo if you must, but it's time the Rangers and Josh Hamilton moved on.

Darvish worth every penny to Rangers

The pitcher took a perfect game into the ninth, almost making history in the process

Another winning move for Rangers

Signing Elvis Andrus to long-term deal gives Texas Rangers plenty of options.

Rangers' bullpen a work in progress

The Rangers need to solidify the holes in their bullpen, and they need to do it fast.

Where Jones builds, success follows

Cowboys Stadium will do for Arlington and North Texas what the Super Dome has done for New Orleans, Jean-Jacques Taylor writes.

Romo needs to rewrite his legacy

Long defined by his failures, Tony Romo needs to rewrite his legacy now that the Dallas Cowboys have signed him to a big-money contract.

Rangers' pitching will win them West

The Rangers have a better team than the Angels and A's; their pitching staff will prove it.

'Elite' expectations are unfair

It's unfair for Mark Cuban to heap "elite" expectations on Dirk Nowitzki.

Replacing Tony Romo is no easy task

Finding a successor to Tony Romo won't be as easy as some people seem to think.

Another opportunity missed

"Other guys have to step up and make plays, and we weren't able to make plays," said coach Rick Carlisle. That seems to sum up the Mavericks.

Up to Yu Darvish to lead the way

Yu Darvish has the stuff -- and the mentaility -- to be the best in the major leagues this season.

Jurickson Profar has tools to succeed

Jurickson Profar will be ready when it's his time ... Ron Washington will make sure of it.

Ryan still searching for his role

Ryan deciding to stay or leave

Give Ron Washington his due

Ron Washington has done so much for the Rangers, yet receives so little credit.

Tagging Anthony Spencer is right call

The Cowboys should enjoy Anthony Spencer's production next season, then let him go.

Rangers betting on youth for future

Rangers have to bet on Jon Daniels and youth for future.

Cowboys can't afford to ignore QBs

Cowboys must draft and develop QBs to succeed Tony Romo or serve as valuable trade commodities.

Tony Romo doesn't owe discount

Tony Romo doesn't owe it to Cowboys to take less money and shouldn't feel pressure to do so.

Mavericks settle for minor deal

Playoff hopes fall on Dirk after Mavs settle for minor deal for Anthony Morrow.

Cowboys must improve offensive line

Columnist module

Josh Hamilton remains oblivious

Josh Hamilton doesn't get real reason fans booed him.

Jason Garrett struggling to let go

It sure seems like Jason Garrett will give up play-calling duties, but his ego won't let him announce it.

Jerry Jones' priorities out of whack

Jerry Jones is more concerned about building the Cowboys brand than a winner.

Tony Romo needs to earn it

Jerry Jones needs to make Tony Romo earn a contract extension.

Tony Romo must defy the odds

Plethora of good, young QBs makes path to title even harder for Tony Romo, Cowboys.

Larry Allen shouldn't stand in line

Former Cowboys offensive lineman Larry Allen's decorated career requires immediate Hall of Fame entry.

Rangers dealing with tough offseason

Rangers' offseason woes culminate in Nelson Cruz being linked to PEDs.

Let's stick to football on Jay Ratliff

Cowboys should stick to football reasons when deciding Jay Ratliff's fate

Dwight Howard too good to pass up

The Mavs should go after Dwight Howard, but expectations need to be kept in check.

Spin on Jason Garrett gets blurry

Cowboys can spin it however they want, but Jason Garrett has been demoted.

Paths unveil Cowboys' dysfunction

Jerry Jones could've used Jim Harbaugh's head coach template with Jason Garrett.

Cowboys need to explain change

The Cowboys' decision to change defensive philosophies opens the door to many questions.

Blame Romo for upheaval in Dallas

Tony Romo deserves blame for Cowboys' upheaval, needs less responsibility going forward.

Dirk Nowitzki speaks, faces truth

Mavericks' Dirk Nowitzki deals with the truth but also battles reality.

Jason Garrett needs a commitment

Jerry Jones needs to commit to Jason Garrett for the long haul or fire him now.

It's open season on Cowboys' staff

Cowboys' entire coaching staff should fear Jerry Jones' wrath after Rob Ryan's firing.

Cowboys' offense needs new voice

Jerry Jones would be wise to transfer play-calling duties from Jason Garrett to Bill Callahan.

Rob Ryan gets a pass -- for now

Cowboys' Rob Ryan gets a pass because of injuries to defense, but he must deliver next season.

Tony Romo must shoulder blame

Tony Romo must shoulder blame in what has become all-too-familiar trend.

Finale about more than Tony Romo

Cowboys QB Tony Romo's legacy not at stake against Redskins.

Cowboys' offense can't catch breaks

Cowboys' offense fails to make its own luck in overtime loss to Saints.

Mavericks go as O.J. Mayo goes

Mavericks' O.J. Mayo struggles in test of potential stardom in blowout loss to Heat.

Cowboys follow Jason Garrett's lead

Jason Garrett's process finally showing progress for Cowboys team in control of its destiny.

Rangers endure winter of discontent

Rangers regress with what has been a disastrous offseason so far.

Roger Goodell's authority takes a hit

Roger Goodell's invulnerable authority takes a hit with overturned suspensions.

Jay Ratliff is of no use to Cowboys

Confrontation with Jerry Jones should only serve to expedite Jay Ratliff's exit from Cowboys.

Cowboys find the will to win

Jason Garrett, Cowboys deliver signature win in most difficult of circumstances.

Tragedy makes game feel trivial

The Cowboys play Cincinnati on Sunday, but it feels trivial in light of Saturday's tragedy.

Zack Greinke worth Rangers' focus

Rangers need to prioritize signing Zack Greinke at Josh Hamilton's expense.

Jason Garrett must let talent flow

Cowboys' Jason Garrett needs to open up offense by riding its biggest playmakers.

Murray's impact bigger than stats

Running back DeMarco Murray's impact is bigger than any stat.

Cowboys blazing an uphill trail

Cowboys aren't good enough to consistently be playing from behind.

Jerry Jones' way leads to highway

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' questionable approach to play calling puts coach Jason Garrett on offensive.

Loss slaps Cowboys with reality

Even Jerry Jones coming to grips with realization that playoffs are a pipe dream for Cowboys.

O-line forms at Cowboys' offseason

Jerry Jones must make fixing Cowboys' offensive line top priority in the offseason.

Jason Garrett slowly progresses

Cowboys' Jason Garrett making measured progress on accountability.

Dallas Cowboys save their season

The Cowboys saved their season with a win over the Eagles.

Losing not an option for Cowboys

Cowboys have no second chance in fight for survival against Eagles team in despair.

Read my lips: It's the offense

Cowboys' Jason Garrett hasn't delivered on pledge to boost offense.

Jason Garrett's seat warms up

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett's job status enters critical stage with Sean Payton available.

Kiss Mavs' playoff streak goodbye

Mavericks' playoffs streak destined to come to an end with lukewarm roster this season

Cowboys' character out of bounds

Cowboys' close loss to Giants just another in a string of inconsistent performances.

Mack Brown had better toughen up

If Mack Brown can't take bull by the horns, then Horns might consider moving on.

Does Jason Garrett trust his offense?

Does Jason Garrett trust his own offense? It's hard to tell at this point.

Cowboys get win they had to have

It wasn't pretty but Cowboys kept their season alive, and that's all that matters.

Jerry Jones overly optimistic

Jerry Jones' absurd contender talk would ring hollow with loss to Panthers.

Jason Garrett needs to stick around

Jerry Jones needs to keep Jason Garrett around while coach learns how to win.

Dumb mistakes doom Cowboys again

The Cowboys once again made dumb mistakes that cost them a game.

Ron Washington seizes responsibility

Like a good skipper, Ron Washington embraces blame for Rangers' collapse.

Rangers couldn't handle the truth

Rangers' season collapsed because underachievers lied to themselves.

Josh Hamilton's act has grown old

Josh Hamilton's lethargic performance should be his last with the Rangers.

Yu Darvish gives Rangers hope

Looking like an ace, Yu Darvish earned the right to start the playoff opener.

Josh Hamilton's drop dumbfounding

Josh Hamilton's lackadaisical effort on routine fly ball is inexcusable.

Sean Payton's blessing in disguise

Sean Payton misses Saints but cherishes chance to spend time with his children.

Romo must improve immediately

Tony Romo must improve immediately for Cowboys to have a shot at playoffs.

How about some help for Tony Romo?

The sloppy Cowboys can't expect Tony Romo to win games all by himself.

Jason Garrett has mess to clean up

Jason Garrett must clean up the Cowboys' unsightly mess of mistakes.

Josh Hamilton could be worth drama

Josh Hamilton's drama will be forgotten if the Rangers win the World Series.

Cowboys' offense has long way to go

Jason Garrett needs to get a lot more production out of the Cowboys' offense.

Cowboys' D lacks intimidation factor

The Cowboys' defense lacks enough of an edge to scare its opponents.

No point in cutting Felix Jones now

It would be foolish for the Cowboys to cut running back Felix Jones now.

Rangers know AL West far from over

Ron Washington and the Rangers know the AL West race is far from over.

Jason Garrett cuts dead weight

Jason Garrett has transformed Cowboys to maximize accountability, potential.

Tony Romo, Jason Witten driven

Best buds Tony Romo and Jason Witten are united in their desire to win a title.

DeMarco Murray is a game-changer

RB DeMarco Murray has the abillity to change the game at any second.

Cowboys deliver vintage performance

Cowboys deliver vintage performance that sends message to rest of league.

Tony Romo focused on winning title

If the Cowboys are going to make the playoffs, Tony Romo must lead the way.

Stephen McGee can't help Cowboys

Cowboys have no use on roster for athletic but timid QB Stephen McGee.

First rule of the Dez Bryant Rules ...

Regardless of Jerry Jones' verbal gymnastics, the Dez Rules are necessary.

Jay Ratliff solid, not irreplaceable

NT Jay Ratliff's effort may not be replaceable, but his production might be.

Dez Bryant better play by rules

If Dez Bryant can't play by the Cowboys' rules, it will be time for him to go.

Not buying what Mark Cuban's selling

Mark Cuban can't really believe the Mavs are better off without Deron Williams.

Victor Butler creates pressure

Pass rusher Victor Butler is pressuring the Cowboys to get him on the field.

There's no point in pointing fingers

Jason Witten's injury is just one of those things, so quit pointing fingers.

It's time to call up Jurickson Profar

Jurickson Profar can help Rangers achieve goal of winning a title.

Tyron Smith is up to the challenge

Tyron Smith has the tools and tenacity to successfully move over to left tackle.

Dez Bryant has a role model handy

Dez Bryant can look to Jason Witten as example of overcoming hardship.

Cowboys' defense rests on Rob Ryan

Rob Ryan has no excuse if the Cowboys' defense doesn't plug last season's holes.

Bill Callahan offers unique influence

Bill Callahan on board to challenge Jason Garrett's approach to running game.

Cowboys will need to snag third WR

Cowboys' third receiver becomes crucial piece, but he's not currently on roster.

Jason Garrett wants mental edge

Jason Garrett preaches mental toughness in critical moments for Cowboys.

Dez Bryant must shape up or ship out

Jerry Jones has made it clear his patience with Dez Bryant has reached its limit.

Michael Young needs to hit or sit

Rangers need to consider sitting Michael Young if he doesn't start producing.

Dez Bryant must be held accountable

The Cowboys must make Dez Bryant accountable for his actions.

Garrett slowly building a winner

Jason Garrett is methodically building the Cowboys to be consistent winners.

Josh Hamilton must play starring role

Josh Hamilton needs to realize his potential for Rangers to reach their goals.

Rangers must add top-end starter

Rangers can forget about third straight World Series if they don't fortify rotation.

Tony Romo is positioned to cash in

Don't be shocked when the Cowboys give Tony Romo a Drew Brees-like deal.

Dez Bryant is blowing his opportunity

Dez Bryant is blowing the chance to give his kids the childhood he never had.

Mavs' roster moves fail to excite

Even with recent additions, Mavs are closer to mediocrity than title contention.

Darren Woodson hard to replace

Darren Woodson has been very difficult for the Cowboys to replace at safety.

Matt Harrison has deep thoughts

Rangers lefty Matt Harrison is learning how to give his team a chance to win.

Rangers too good to slump this bad

Finally facing adversity, it's time for the Rangers to show what they're made of.

DeMarcus Ware holds up to scrutiny

Decorated Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware fights through scrutiny, keeps focus.

Bruce Carter better be worth wait

The Cowboys need linebacker Bruce Carter to show he was worth the wait.

Cowboys need high picks to deliver

The Cowboys need their top picks to deliver to break the cycle of mediocrity.

Joe Nathan looks as dominant as ever

Rangers closer Joe Nathan has settled into a dominant groove.

Roy Oswalt is good fit, not an ace

Roy Oswalt won't be an ace, but he's a good fit for what the Rangers need.

Yu Darvish must learn how to strike

Perhaps he's hurt or ailing, but Rangers' Yu Darvish needs to be throwing strikes.

Tony Romo can't do it all himself

Tony Romo needs a better supporting cast for the Cowboys to contend.

Dez Bryant on verge of greatness

If healthy, Dez Bryant will blossom into the playmaker the Cowboys need.

Mike Jenkins looks for easy way out

By seeking a trade, Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins is looking for an easy way out.

Rangers let homestand slip away

Rangers' homestand begins with promise but ends with missed opportunities.

Jason Garrett adds personal touch

Jason Garrett constructs Cowboys in own image with high-motor overachievers.

Rangers' rotation in it for the long run

Starters need to pitch deep into games if the Rangers want to go the distance.

Decision is easy: Sign Josh Hamilton

Even with the known risks, the Rangers can't afford not to sign Josh Hamilton.

Yu Darvish displays winning attitude

Yu Darvish's winning attitude shows why Rangers chose him over C.J. Wilson.

Mavs can't put price on Rick Carlisle

Owner Mark Cuban can't put a price on Rick Carlisle's perfect fit as Mavs' coach.

Lamar Odom gave Mavs false hope

Lamar Odom's signing brought false hope and turned into a colossal failure.

Dallas Mavericks' best not enough

The Mavs fought hard but couldn't overcome OKC's youth and speed.

Mavs have nothing to whine about

Mavs' whining over officiating doesn't change the fact that they're average.

Crunch-time struggles doom Mavs

The Mavs' lack of execution in crunch time has their season on life support.

Mavs must control Russell Westbrook

The Mavericks' top priority must be controlling Russell Westbrook.

Dirk Nowitzki's impact needs to grow

Dirk Nowitzki must shoulder an even bigger load for Mavs against Thunder.

Morris Claiborne move is big, bold

The Cowboys deserve credit for being bold and moving up for Morris Claiborne.

Texas Rangers focused on winning

The Rangers are leaving no doubt that they're American League's best team.

Cowboys need to use 14th pick

The Cowboys need to stay put at No. 14 and draft the best player available.

Larry Brown must recruit to succeed

Larry Brown's success at SMU will have everything to do with recruiting in DFW.

Mavericks won't last long in playoffs

Don't expect the underdog Mavericks to make a long run in the playoffs.

Vince Carter provides boost for Mavs

Vince Carter makes the Mavs a much harder out if he provides consistent play.

SMU botched coaching search

SMU will rely on Larry Brown to revive its program after botching coaching search.

Deion Sanders aims to change lives

Deion Sanders isn't worried about critics of his Prime Prep Academy.

Selfish Lamar Odom had to go

Lamar Odom's indifference was enough to give Mark Cuban a pass for confrontation.

Yu Darvish shows grit in hyped debut

Yu Darvish was over-amped early, but he refused to yield and showed grit.

Yu Darvish brings excitement to table

Yu Darvish's filthy stuff could provide some magical moments for the Rangers.

Ian Kinsler sets price right off the bat

It didn't take long at all for Ian Kinsler to show worth, so Rangers should pay up.

Ron Washington puts family first

Family approach helps Ron Washington get most out of 25 Rangers personalities.

Simply put: 'Coach Joe' got it

"Coach Joe" never took himself seriously and had fun. Simply put: He got it.

Playoffs are a pipe dream for Stars

The Stars blew their chance and now will be watching the playoffs yet again.

Can't trust Dwight Howard in clutch

If it's one or the other, Mavs must target Deron Williams over Dwight Howard.

Mavs need consistent Jason Terry

On the playoff bubble, Mavs can't afford for Jason Terry to be inconsistent.

Mavs don't have time to reminisce

The Mavs don't have time to reminisce in Miami with the playoffs approaching.

Ian Kinsler is offensive catalyst

Ian Kinsler produces runs with his power and speed from the leadoff spot.

Neftali Feliz taking right approach

Neftali Feliz's secondary pitches are key to becoming steady member of rotation.

Yu Darvish gets taste of adversity

Yu Darvish's rough outing isn't something to fret over; it's part of the process.

Roger Goodell shows he's the boss

Jerry Jones took a risk with the salary cap, but Roger Goodell makes him pay.

Rangers reminiscent of '90s Cowboys

The current Rangers are reminiscent of the Cowboys from the early 1990s.

Curious choice to sit Jason Terry

Rick Carlisle made a curious choice to sit Jason Terry with the game on the line.

Lamar Odom shows 'bounce' vs. Jazz

Lamar Odom finally showed up for Mavs, but the key is if he can keep doing it.

Cowboys need to commit to youth

Cowboys should use Rangers as example and make commitment to youth.

Deron Williams has ball in his court

Free agent-to-be Deron Williams controls games with his ballhandling skills.

Joe Nieuwendyk showing faith in Stars

Joe Nieuwendyk makes no moves before trade deadline, showing faith in Stars.

T.O.'s IFL debut is surreal experience

Seeing former NFL star receiver Terrell Owens playing in the IFL is surreal.

Cowboys need to explore QB options

The Cowboys need to address QB to avoid an Anthony Spencer-type situation.

Rick Carlisle getting most out of Mavs

Rick Carlisle has Mavs succeeding despite talks of a throwaway season.

Dominique Jones' minutes valuable

Dominique Jones is stepping up to help ease the burden on Jason Kidd.

Can the Jeremy Lin honeymoon last?

Jeremy Lin has captivated fans, much like Tony Romo did when he got started.

TCU will survive shameful day

Coach Gary Patterson and TCU will survive shameful day of arrests.

Dirk Nowitzki one of NBA's best closers

Dirk Nowitzki and Kobe Bryant are the best closers in the NBA right now.

Dirk Nowitzki catches All-Star assist

Dirk Nowitzki's All-Star presence gets last pass as more power forwards emerge.

June Jones right to let players transfer

June Jones does right by his players, including those who decide to transfer.

Relapse robs Josh Hamilton of leverage

Josh Hamilton's leverage with Rangers falls victim to latest alcohol relapse.

Charles Haley would complete HOF

Charles Haley is a missing piece in Canton as he was for 49ers, Cowboys.

Poor officiating not to blame for loss

Poor officiating was not to blame for the Mavericks' loss to the Thunder.

A sign of better things ahead

For Dallas Lincoln football players, signing day represents hope for better future.

Ron Washington extension an easy call

Ron Washington's humanity inspires Rangers to give him their all.

Don't jump to conclusions about Dirk

It's too early in the season to make judgments about Dirk Nowitzki's game.

Lamar Odom still searching for answers

Lamar Odom is struggling for the Mavs, but he's too good to not snap out of it.

Dallas far from championship caliber

The Cowboys have the worst organization among the four major pro teams in D-FW.

Yu Darvish exudes confidence

Don't expect the pressure to get to Yu Darvish, who exudes confidence.

Rangers fully committed to arms race

With the Yu Darvish deal, the Rangers confirmed their commitment to pitching.

Pick Josh Hamilton over Prince Fielder

Josh Hamilton is a better long-term choice for the Rangers than Prince Fielder.

Jason Garrett could benefit from OC hire

Jason Garrett can expand his focus by allowing Bill Callahan significant role.

Evidence says blame Dallas defenders

Wade Phillips' success proves the Cowboys' defenders aren't good enough.

Cowboys' impact plays didn't compute

Cowboys' sum of 10 plays that shaped season don't add up to playoff berth.

Offseason entirely up to Dez Bryant

If this offseason is free from drama, we should take it as an indication Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is maturing and moving toward being a franchise player. If not, then there's no way he'll see a second contract. It's entirely up to Bryant.

No surprise: Cowboys' swoon complete

Stop me if you've heard this before; Cowboys falter in the big moment.

Rick Carlisle holds players accountable

Rick Carlisle has become one of the best by holding his players accountable.

Nowitzki is Lone Star of the year

Dirk Nowitzki's clutch performances make him the Lone Star of the year.

Win could cure the Cowboys' ills

The Cowboys can put past failures behind them with clutch win at Giants.

Can't judge Lamar Odom on debut

Don't judge Lamar Odom on his short debut, but he needs to stay in the game.

It's hard to have faith in Cowboys

There's little to indicate Cowboys are ready for winner-take-all Giants duel.

Rangers show they're big-market club

The Rangers' bid for Yu Darvish shows they are finally a big-market club.

Beating up on Bucs is good first step

The Cowboys need wins, and beating up on the Bucs was a good first step.

Sam Hurd shows we just don't know

Sam Hurd's arrest contradicts former Cowboys WR's pious, affable demeanor.

Jason Garrett's long-term future at stake

Jason Garrett faces critical three-week stretch with Cowboys in crisis mode.

Lamar Odom makes Mavs contenders

Mavs fans are excited about Lamar Odom, but Mark Cuban looks bad in deal.

December demons haunt Cowboys

The Cowboys have to figure out a way to slay their deadly December demons.

Tony Romo has to play big vs. Giants

The Cowboys need Tony Romo to come up big in a huge game against the Giants.

Jason Garrett should own up to errors

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett should admit he screwed up against the Cards.

Accountability key for Josh Hamilton

Finding accountability partner to replace Johnny Narron key for Josh Hamilton.

When smart coaches make dumb calls

For a smart coach, Jason Garrett's use of timeouts against Arizona sure was dumb.

DeMarco Murray changing play-calling

DeMarco Murray provides Jason Garrett a player to make the center of his offense.

Smart move is to re-sign Tyson Chandler

The smart move for the Mavs is to do whatever it takes to sign Tyson Chandler.

Ragged Cowboys find ways to win

Cowboys find way to string victories together without scoring style points.

Contempt, egos kill state's best rivalry

UT's arrogance, A&M's inferiority complex share blame for thwarting tradition.

Tony Romo making good decisions

Tony Romo has stopped making bad decisions and is reaping the rewards.

Cowboys go all-in for overtime win

The Cowboys needed -- and got -- a complete team effort to edge Washington.

Neftali Feliz belongs in rotation

The decision should be easy: Neftali Feliz belongs in the Rangers' rotation.

Felix Jones can still make impact

The Cowboys can now use Felix Jones in role they envisioned when drafting him.

Tony Romo must keep Cowboys winning

It's Tony Romo's job to make sure Dallas keeps winning and stays in contention.

Don't rush to judge DeMarco Murray

DeMarco Murray looks like a star, but proclaiming him one is premature.

Jason Garrett will build a winner

Given time, Jason Garrett will build a consistent contender in Dallas.

Cowboys proving they're just average

The Cowboys' inconsistent performances prove that they're just a mediocre team.

Rob Ryan needs to lower volume

Rob Ryan should curb smack talk until mediocre Cowboys can back him up.

Missed opportunities will haunt Rangers

Missed opportunities will haunt Rangers until they win a World Series title.

Rangers choke, but aren't dead yet

The Rangers choked in Game 6, but this resilient bunch isn't dead yet.

Maybe Wash knows what he's doing

With his track record of success, why second-guess Ron Washington?

Mike Napoli turns pressure into success

Rangers' Mike Napoli has shown patience needed to thrive under pressure.

Holland turns in masterful performance

Derek Holland turns in a masterful performance to save Rangers' season.

Blame game begins with Rangers

Call at first was bad, but it was missteps -- and Albert Pujols -- that sunk Rangers.

Rangers mix it up, make it happen

Versatile offense manufactures rally in ninth, puts Rangers in driver's seat.

Alexi Ogando is the first to flinch

Alexi Ogando finally faltered in a battle between two terrific bullpens.

C.J. Wilson needs to step up in spotlight

It's time for C.J. Wilson to prove he's the ace we saw in the regular season.

Michael Young saves best for last

Rangers kept faith in Michael Young, who came through when it mattered most.

Elite status eludes Rangers' C.J. Wilson

True value of Rangers ace C.J. Wilson revealed when ball bounces other way.

This Rangers club can do it all

Rangers show they can win with power, finesse, pitching, speed or defense.

Rangers' starting rotation faltering

The Rangers don't have a quality start in the ALCS, a trend that needs to end.

Nelson Cruz lowers the boom on Detroit

Nelson Cruz lowers the boom on Detroit with a grand slam in the 11th inning.

Rangers boast baseball's best bullpen

The Rangers' dominant pen shut down the Tigers in Game 1 of the 2011 ALCS.

Stars hitch wagon to Kari Lehtonen

Kari Lehtonen holds the key to the Stars' season, GM Joe Nieuwendyk's legacy.

Adrian Beltre smashes three home runs

A relaxed Adrian Beltre smashed three homers to send the Rangers to the ALCS.

Neftali Feliz breaks in finishing touch

Rangers, Neftali Feliz gain confidence in fireball closer's breaking pitches.

Tony Romo's blunders here to stay

Cowboys will have to live with Tony Romo's poor decision-making skills.

Dream season keeps getting better

Mike Napoli delivered more heroics to help the Rangers even their series.

Wilson's awful outing has Texas in hole

The Rangers will have to climb out of a hole after C.J. Wilson's awful outing.

Rangers embody Washington's essence

Ron Washington's perspective and focus have helped turn Rangers into winners.

Tony Romo symbolizes new Cowboys

Tony Romo embodies Jason Garrett's desire to toughen up the Cowboys.

Relentless Rangers celebrate West title

Relentless Rangers believe in themselves, celebrate second straight AL West title.

Cowboys shouldn't rush Tony Romo

The Cowboys should use Jon Kitna if Tony Romo is at risk of further injury.

Tony Romo changes perceptions

By leading a Cowboys rally while injured, Tony Romo changed how he is perceived.

Cowboys still learning how to win

The Cowboys hope and believe they can win, but they still don't know how.

Derek Holland pitching with confidence

Derek Holland has matured into a consistent, big league pitcher this season.

Tony Romo mistakes shouldn't surprise

Based on past results, Tony Romo's mistakes shouldn't come as a surprise.

Tony Romo's impact is imperative

With his mental and physical skills in sync, it's time for Romo to take the reins.

No excuses from these Cowboys

Jason Garrett's paradigm shift promotes injuries as opportunities for others.

Cowboys await Rob Ryan's miracle

Cowboys ready for new coordinator Rob Ryan to work his magic on defense.

Dallas was Les Miles' proving ground

Les Miles' time as a Cowboys assistant prepared him to succeed as LSU's coach.

C.J. Wilson holds all the cards

Rangers should take same approach with C.J. Wilson that they took with Cliff Lee.

Cowboys finally have a 'real' coach

'Real' coach Jason Garrett has taken charge of the Cowboys from Day 1.

Deal with it -- Cowboys are rebuilding

Cowboys won't admit it but they're rebuilding, which is a good thing.

Josh Hamilton yet to hit his stride

Josh Hamilton hasn't hit prolonged hot streak, but now would be a good time.

Rotation dip leaves Rangers vulnerable

Sudden downturn of Rangers' rotation threatens hold on first place in AL West.

High expectations placed on relievers

Koji Uehara and Mike Adams aren't at their best yet, but they solidify bullpen.

Felix Jones' time to be 'the man'

Cowboys running back Felix Jones must take next step after flashing his talent.

Jerry Jones deserves credit for ROH

Jerry Jones deserves kudos for a job well done on Ring of Honor selections.

Tony Romo holds key to success

Tony Romo is the key to a Cowboys offense that is built to pass the ball.

Ego, envy will get Texas A&M nowhere

Before Aggies eventually move on, they must rid themselves of Longhorn envy.

Cowboys' defense a work in progress

It's early, but Rob Ryan's Cowboys defense still resembles 2010 unit.

Jason Garrett wants tougher Cowboys

Jason Garrett knows the Cowboys have to be tougher to win in the NFL.

Deion's drive fueled by bond with mom

Deion Sanders' drive to succeed was fueled by his bond with his mother.

Deion Sanders worked to be the best

Deion Sanders will high-step into the Hall of Fame because of his work ethic.

Jason Garrett must stand his ground

Jason Garrett must hold the Cowboys accountable for them to turn it around.

Dallas Cowboys falling farther behind

The Cowboys have gone from top of the heap to D/FW's third-best organization.