Back on October 15th, I blogged about how disappointing the Dallas Cowboys had been this season. From committing untimely turn overs, to sitting atop the NFL as the most penalized team in the league, the Cowboys have had a knack for driving their fans to the brink of insanity. Since then, Dallas have found a way to cut down on mistakes, get their act together, and start winning in heroic fashion. All this has culminated into another week 17 shot at the playoffs for the second year in a row.
Let's start with the changes. September and October yielded the result of a whopping 13 interceptions with only 9 touchdowns for Tony Romo. Since then, he has thrown for 17 touchdowns while limiting his interceptions to just 3; two of those three interceptions coming in a Thanksgiving Day loss to the Washington Redskins. The Cowboys have managed to win 5 of their last 7 games putting them in a position to win the NFC East and wrap up a spot in the playoffs. Who stands in their way? Who other than those Washington Redskins and red hot rookie Robert Griffen III. The cowboys have been here before. Last year, a week 17 matchup between the Cowboys and the Giants determined which of the two teams would make it to the playoffs. We all know how that story ended as the Giants went on to win the Superbowl. However, there are a number of notable difference between the two Dallas teams.
For one, winning a multitude of close games this year has created a distinct mental toughness in the locker room. Romo even went as far as saying "I believe when I step on the field in the fourth quarter, if we're within 10 to 14 points, we're going to find a way to win the ballgame." I'm sure when making such a bold statement, he did not expect to have to prove it so quickly, but as fate would have it, the Cowboys were down 14 points going into the forth quarter last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Despite the announcers poking some fun at his statement, Romo managed to bring his team back to tie the game up and send it to overtime. The Cowboys went on to lose in OT, but the message was loud and clear. There truly is a mental toughness that has been lacking in year's past.
But will it be enough to carry the team into the playoffs? There are certainly a lot of doubters out there along with even more skeptics. I fall into the latter category, but am hopeful none-the-less. With a defense finally forcing timely turnovers, and a multidimensional offense due to the return of powerhouse RB Demarco Murray, I think Dallas has what it takes to win. It all comes down to putting the pieces together and playing smart football. Big game Sunday night with a lot of implications so make sure you don't miss it and have a Happy New Year!
P.S. If the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings lose to the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers respectively this Sunday, which could very well occur, then the NFC East is still a three way affair. Assuming the Giants are capable of knocking off an abysmal Philadelphia Eagles squad, all other scenarios will be decided going into the Sunday night game. Granted there are a lot of ifs involved, but if things play out like this, then Giants fans will have a lot of interest in the outcome of the Dallas/Washington game as a Washington win will earn New York a spot in the playoffs. Just something interesting to watch for. Enjoy.
