Sorry Blue, I have always hated the Cowboys. Not so much the team, but the fact that they were SELF designated as America's team for no other reason than the mediots. But your post was thoughtful and well written and fans of your quality are always welcome here.
The Romo loss is huge. There are so few quality QB's in the league that losing one for any length of time is a big loss. Losing Dez is very over rated, just like the loss of ANY WR would be be. There are other here ho would disagree with me, but they'd be wrong.
The fact is that the WR is more overhyped and over rated than any position on the field, simply because there are just so many good ones around.
The Pats have gone through this entire run of 15 years or so years and only had one "true" #1 WR for 2 of those years. (Moss) They media loves WR's, but I'd rather a great OLman or DT. They are much rarer.
BTW- what makes Gronk so rare ISN'T his receiving (though he is marvelous), but his ability as a first class blocker as well. It just makes him so effective and difficult to cover when he can line up as a run blocker as well.
I don't usually allow the "injury excuse" very often, but the Cowboys deserve it this time, and it's more than just Romo and Bryant. You guys have truly been hammered with injuries. On the plus side, you should get most of your guys back, and it's likely that only 9 or 10 victories will win you the division, and after that who cares what happened earlier in the season,.
As for Malcolm Brown, I will join most in saying that through 3 games he hasn't stood out. However I will add this observation. The Pats have had a number of good defensive linemen over the years, and it seems that in BB's system none of the defensive linemen seem exceptional in thier first season, including Seymour and Wilfolk. So what Brown will turn out to be is far from being told.