T.O. Minus Talent-O

The Cowboys and Bengals last faced each other four years ago in Cincinnati at a time when the teams were headed in opposite directions. Dallas was hammered 26 to 3 that day and finished the season at 6 and 10. Cincinnati appeared to be emerging as a serious contender in the AFC, as the game against Dallas was the beginning of the team winning seven of its final 10 games. The Bengals are still trying to win with the same core group of players, with wideout Chad Johnson now known as Chad Ocho Cinco. (Yes, he legally changed his name.) Meanwhile, the Cowboys have replaced Vinny Testaverde at quarterback with Tony Romo, Keyshawn Johnson at wide receiver with Terrell Owens, and the three-headed monster of Richie Anderson, ReShard Lee and Eddie George with the running back duo of Marian Barber and Felix Jones. The tables have turned since 2004, and now Dallas looks like a contender while Cincinnati will be lucky to finish at .500. Head out to Texas Stadium for the 3:15 p.m. match-up, as there are only six more regular home games remaining before the new stadium opens, or watch what will likely be an ass-kicking by the Cowboys on CBS. Visit dallascowboys.com.
Sun., Oct. 5, 3:15 p.m., 2008