by Dalton Belcher
Being a Dallas Cowboys Fan (When We Win)
When you're a Cowboys fan, nothing is better than Sunday (and the occasional Monday or Thursday but let's stick with Sunday for brevity's sake). You gather around a tv to watch America's Team. When we win, it's usually all on Tony Romo's shoulders (shush...don't tell ESPN, he's a good block of their TV time only when we lose). If we win, it's a mood changer for the whole week. Monday morning traffic isn't bad, it's a blessing giving you time to reflect on the victory. Monday night, you might pay attention to the game, you might not. It's really the victory hangover day for most of us. Tuesday, you set your fantasy lineup and mentally make a note never to bet against "Rowdy" Roddy White (a fantasy team without Cowboys on the roster because the stress that would bring is too great). Wednesday you start reading up on the next opponent, getting an idea of your mind of how the game should go. Thursday you watch Thursday Night Football, especially if the teams playing have significance to Dallas and their playoff race. Friday and Saturday you binge on high school and college football, but your appetite is never quite satisfied (even if Alabama destroys a rival SEC foe). Then Sunday comes around and you get your game day food with hopes that it's going to be another week of the same.
Being a Dallas Cowboys Fan (When We Lose)
When you're a Cowboys fan, nothing can be worse than a Sunday when you lose. You scream at the TV (I'm pretty sure they'll be the reason I develop a mild case of insanity). Romo makes the mistakes at the worst time. The defense blows coverages and there's almost always the "comeback". Dallas isn't content to lose in peace, no they almost always make a 4th quarter push. They play like Super Bowl champions for the first 14 minutes of the 4th quarter making you think that this'll be one of those great comebacks you'll see on NFL highlight packages for years to come. Then, just as they're a moment away from taking the lead and bringing you joy beyond belief, they blow it. There's a botched snap, a fumble on the one, a pick six that causes you to throw your delicious chicken sandwich down in disgust. Then comes Monday. Friends, family, co-workers, and even complete strangers that notice your Cowboys lanyard take a shot at you. You laugh them off, but they sting. The week drags on, by Friday you're ready to disconnect ESPN from you're cable. When Sunday strives you're just hoping you make it through the game with what little sanity you have left in tact.