Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) celebrates winning Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

First off, the Cowboys took the Ravens to the limit earlier this season. In their Week Six match-up, the Cowboys ran all over the Raven’s vaunted defense to the tune of 227 total rushing yards and was one 51 yard missed Dan Bailey field goal away from victory.

Now, let’s examine and compare the pieces of both teams to gauge how just how far the Cowbo9ys are from possible post-season success. We’ll start at the top with the quarterbacks

Quarterbacks – Joe Flacco vs. Tony Romo; Advantage Ravens

After tonight, Raven’s quarterback Joe Flacco will be considered “elite” by many, despite a regular season full of ups and downs. Flacco finished the regular season with a total of 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He finished the year with an 87.7 QB rating, throwing for 3817 passing yards while averaging 238 yards per game.

Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo’s numbers are actually better then Flaccos’. Romo finished the season with a total 29 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. His QBR was 90.5, while throwing for 4,903 yards last year averaging 306.4 yards per game.

But the biggest difference between the two quarterbacks, and the most defining factor, is their post season success. The Ravens have made the playoffs for the last five seasons straight. They have also won at least one game in each of those playoff appearances. In that same span, the Cowboys only made the playoffs once.

Also consider Flacco was near perfect this post-season, finishing it off with a Super Bowl MVP trophy. He threw for 11 touchdowns and zero interceptions, out-duelling Andrew Luck, Colin Kaepernick, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady along the way.

Still, at the end of the day, I truly do believe Romo is a better overall quarterback then Flacco. But the latter has the playoff wins, and now, a Super Bowl ring. That’s hard to argue with. Still, I believe Cowboys’ fans can feel a bit more optimistic about their team’s possible future success.

Look for more articles coming this week as we continue to compare the positions between our Cowboys and the now Super Bowl Champion Ravens.

September 27, 2012;Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) hands the ball off to running back Ray Rice (27) during the game against the Cleveland Browns at M

Artie Cappello, Senior Writer: It is a little bit of a cop out that Jason Garrett is pointing the finger at Romo by saying that they have to simplify the offense ‘for Tony’ hoping lightening his load will have the offense perform better. The problem isn’t Romo’s running of the offense, it’s Garrett’s overly complicated, yet predictable, play calling.  Garrett needs to simplify things for the other 10 guys, he knows that, but by pushing the blame onto Romo, he doesn’t have to outright admit it.  If the Cowboys are successful, everyone will think it was Romo after all.  Very smart to push Romo out on that limb, Jason, but you and I know it should be you out there. I don’t think I’ve ever picked the Cowboys to lose, but I’m quickly losing faith in their head coach. I hope I feel differently in a couple weeks. Ravens 21 – Cowboys 14.

Reid Hanson, Staff Writer: The Cowboys travel to Baltimore to play the Ravens who are almost unbeatable on their homefield. The loud and intimidating atmosphere will no doubt lead to a multitude of pre-snap penalties. The Cowboys offense will have problems staying on the field leading to extended playing time for the Defense. The eighth ranked Baltimore offense will do most of their damage to the tired Cowboys defense in the second half. Baltimore 24, Dallas 17.

Alex Young, Staff Writer: Dallas comes off of the bye week with an important game at one of the toughest places to play in the NFL, M&T Bank Stadium. The Cowboys have not shown in recent years that they can win in tough venues like this and I expect the same result Sunday. The Ravens defense will force Tony Romo into turnovers and Torrey Smith, Anquan Boldin and Ray Rice will give the defense fits. Ravens 31, Cowboys 13.

Steven Phillips, Senior Writer: Dallas just got done with a good old-fashioned beating at the hands of the Chicago Bears and their tough, opportunistic defense. I think the bye week came at a perfect time for the Cowboys, and will eventually aid them in the coming weeks. I just don’t think they’ve had enough time to fix all the problems they are having and they have to face another tough, opportunistic defense when they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens. Ravens win 27-13.

Chance Streetman, Staff Writer: This is not a must win game for the Cowboys, but they need to play better than they did against the Chicago Bears. They need something to build on their confidence for future games. This Baltimore team may be the 2nd best team in the AFC behind the Houston Texans, and Dallas winning on the road would be a huge upset. Baltimore 20, Dallas 16.

Slimjizzle83, Video Contributor:  The two tight end formation should be used a lot in this game. And with defensive tackle Jay Ratliff being back, he will impact our defensive line a lot. 31-20, Dallas over Baltimore. For more information, watch my preview video here.