Romo, Oden, Gerhart, and random observations on the wonderful world of sports.

In the words of the great San Francisco Chronicle sports columnist Scott Ostler, here are my deep thoughts, cheap shots, and bon mots:

---As if on cue, the Dallas Cowboys commenced December with a loss yesterday at the Giants. This disturbing trend of December futility for the Cowboys is no coincidence. Who deserves most of the blame? With T.O. now out of the picture, the criticism should be directed at quarterback Tony Romo and head coach Wade Phillips.

---Romo is a good QB, no more, no less. Those who are waiting for Romo to achieve greatness are wasting their time. He lacks the superior talent and leadership abilities of Manning, Brady, Brees, and Roethlisberger, and I don't think he has what it takes to take the Cowboys to the next level.

---As for Coach Phillips, lets just say that he lacks a certain passion and fire on the sideline. It is hard for players to get motivated from a guy who is more cuddly than a teddy bear. Wade Phillips seems like an awfully nice guy, but he is not a good NFL coach.

---As the Bengals and Ravens continue to improve, do you get the sense that the Pittsburgh Steelers are the third-best team in the AFC North? After suffering their fourth straight loss at the hands of the lowly Raiders, the defending Super Bowl champs are in serious danger of missing the playoffs. Things are getting so bad for the Steelers that the players are starting to make silly excuses. Yesterday, Troy Polamalu said that his hair caused a distraction.

---Here come the Chargers! Norv Turner's team, buoyed by the consistent QB play of Philip Rivers, are hitting their stride at the right time. The Colts better take notice, because San Diego poses the biggest threat to Indy in the AFC.

---The Saints came from behind, with some help from the Redskins, to beat Washington in overtime, while the Colts knocked off Tennessee. Something tells me we're headed for a Super Bowl for the ages between the two undefeateds.

---The sad scene of seeing Greg Oden wheeled off the court on Saturday night was an awfully familiar sight for Blazers fans. I hate to be the heartless curmudgeon here, but this is the harsh reality: In the wake of another season-ending injury, it is more clear than ever that the NBA career of Greg Oden has been a total flop. Oden's fragile body will prevent him from ever achieving success in the NBA. G.M. Kevin Pritchard will go down on the wrong side of history for selecting Oden over Kevin Durant in the 2007 NBA Draft.

---With all due respect to Ravens-Packers, the most intriguing sports event tonight takes place in Philadelphia, where Allen Iverson makes his Sixers return against his former team, the Denver Nuggets. For this one night only, there will be no drama. A.I. will receive a rousing ovation, and he will ride that emotion en route to a terrific game.

---Okay Kobe, I have to give you props for that incredible game-winning three-pointer against the Heat on Friday night. I've long been a critic of yours, but that was one amazing shot.

---Now the real hard work begins for the New Jersey Nets. Now that the euphoria of their first win has died down, Devin Harris and company will realize that they are in for one long season. With the move to Brooklyn on the horizon, the Nets are an organization in flux, and it may be tough for the team to find motivation this season. At 0-18, the Nets played with heart and passion, desperate to capture that elusive first victory. Now, at 1-19, Kiki Vandeweghe's team is in a hopeless situation.

---Memo to LeBron: I love 'ya, but stop it with the ridiculous, showboating dance moves on the sideline. The Bulls' Joakim Noah had every right to call you out the other night.

---The inexplicable disgrace that is the BCS announced its bowl games yesterday, and the national championship will be a battle between the Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide. TCU, Boise State, and Cincinnati, meanwhile, got royally screwed.

---Don't get me wrong, Texas-Alabama is a tremendously exciting matchup, but who's to say that those two teams are better than TCU, Cincinnati, or Boise State?

---My disdain for the BCS notwithstanding, I am extraordinarily excited about the opportunity to attend the Rose Bowl. If all goes as planned, I will be in attendance on New Year's Day in Pasadena for the grandaddy of them all between Oregon and Ohio State. If this happens, it will be one of the highlights of my life.

---The finalists for the Heisman were announced today, and the favorites are Florida's Tim Tebow, Texas' Colt McCoy, and Alabama's Mark Ingram. But for my money, the most deserving candidate is Stanford's Toby Gerhart. Most of the nation doesn't pay attention to Stanford football, but there was no more dynamic offensive force in college football this year than Gerhart.

---Charlie Weis, just shut up about Pete Carroll. You just come across as bitter and angry.

---And finally, baseball's winter meetings are heating up this week in Indianapolis. With all due respect to the great Roy Halladay, the most coveted free agent should be Matt Holliday. Right now, I'm sure that Giants G.M. Brian Sabean is about to make Holliday an offer he can't refuse. Hey, a man's gotta dream, right?