Aug 29, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett on the side lines during the second quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

All we need to do is remember the 1992 Dallas Cowboys for inspiration.  That team which was arguably the best Dallas Cowboy team ever, beat the then Superbowl champion Washington Redskins in the Monday Night Football opener. After that big win, Dallas would then get blown out on the road by the Philadelphia Eagles in week 4 by the very similar score of 31-7.

That Dallas team also had a young inexperienced aggressive defense, a young star running back, a controversial #88 at wide-receiver, and a quarterback who needed to take charge and put it all together to reach his full potential as a MVP and Superbowl Champion.   The final result – the 1992 Cowboys rebounded at home the next week, ironically shutting out the Seattle Seahawks, 27-0. They then went on to finish the season 13-3, become NFC East Champions, and won the NFC Title game in San Francisco against the #1 seed 49ers.

I am not saying we didn’t hit a speed bump on Sunday. But if I was head coach Jason Garrett, I would draw this comparison between the greatest Cowboy team ever. A team he was a member of.  It only proves that a season is not lost with one blow-out road loss. This season is far from over.

First and foremost, about the 49ers – Giants game and something I wrote last week: 

‘…after I watched Alex Smith’s play against the New Orleans Saints, I might be done laughing.  It’s like the Wizard of Oz (in this case, Head Coach Jim Harbaugh) gave the Cowardly Lion (yes, Alex Smith) the courage he’d been missing the last 6 years.  A first round QB with confidence and courage befitting the first over all pick and a hard hitting (they punctured Romo’s lung) aggressive Defense and we better all watch out for Alex Smith and the San Francisco 49ers!’

Boy, was I wrong! - Not about the 49ers D, but the same old Alex Smith came back with a vengeance!  In the Giants case, I was right about what happens when a team gets on a roll.  Much to my annoyance, Eli Manning (not Alex Smith) played.. well.. with courage and confidence befitting the first over all pick.  Now the insult to injury of watching Eli play in his second Superbowl before Tony Romo plays in one. 

Now that I got that out of the way, I can talk about the Cowboys again. (more…)

The Vikings defense overpowered the Cowboys and pressured Tony Romo all day. Romo had three turnovers in the game. After the first period the Cowboys never seemed to move the ball well. Either the offense would crash in Vikings territory or there would be a turnover.

Brett Favre and Sidney Rice connected for three touchdowns. The Cowboys defense was able to contain Adrian Peterson, but the passing game and turnovers were too much to overcome.

The Vikes ratcheted up the point in the fourth quarter, long after when the Cowboys appeared to have given up on trying a comeback.

The NFC Championship game will be in New Orleans, who pummeled the Arizona Cardinals in similar fashion.

The Saints vs the Vikings should be a good game with a lot of offense.

Now the attention turns to the Cowboys offseason. Some may be wondering if head coach Wade Phillips will remain in Dallas. I think the recent events, the first playoff victory since 1996, pretty much assure Phillips will be the Cowboys coach for at least one more year.

It just so happens that the Super Bowl is played in Cowboys Stadium for 2011. Could it be destiny?