True or False: The Cowboys will win the NFC East

Here’s a look at how the Dallas Cowboys can win (or lose) the NFC East and how quarterback Tony Romo’s play is only one part of that recipe.

For Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, it’s one game down with six left to go.

Last Sunday, the Cowboys earned their first win since September while the rest of the teams in the NFC East are on a losing streak. How’s that for a change?

The Philadelphia Eagles were blown out by rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, who had five touchdown tosses to help lift the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 45-17.

The Washington Redskins didn’t fare any better, getting knocked around by quarterback Cam Newton and company, 44-16 Carolina Panthers.

The New York Giants had a Bye Week. They lost a week ago against quarterback Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in a close, heart breaking contest.

NFC East Standings:

New York Giants 5-5

Washington Redskins 4-6

Philadelphia Eagles 4-6

Dallas Cowboys 3-7

So, can the Cowboys, with Romo firmly back in the saddle, run the table and win the division? Keep in mind, the Cowboys play Washington twice, and split one game a piece with the Eagles and Giants.

Based on last week’s results, the Giants are the main contender for Dallas. But it won’t be easy for New York going forward. Here are their final six games:

Week 12: @Redskins

Week 13: New York Jets

Week 14: @Dolphins

Week 15: Panthers

Week 16: @Vikings

Week 17: Eagles

Tony Romo’s 18 for 28, 227 passing yards and two touchdown performance was good enough to beat the Dolphins, but the quarterback must play better against the Panthers. If Romo wants to top Cam Newton’s 10-0 team, he’ll need to shoot better than a 83.5 QB rating.

In fact, if the Cowboys stand any chance at a division title and win the whole thing as Romo nicely suggested on his Twitter Account, the quarterback must not force wins on his own.

This means the defense must play better. The offensive line must play better. Penalties must be kept at a minimum.

And most importantly, Romo can’t sling the ball around at will and force plays. His two interceptions last Sunday should have been two sacks. That was very 2013 Romo —  where he tried to impose his skill. He now has a running game, and 2015 is no different.

In the last five weeks, Darren McFadden has three one-hundred games. He was a pivotal, key player last Sunday against the Dolphins, rushing 29 times for 129 yards. That was good enough for a 4.4 yards per carry average.

Running back Robert Turbin ignited the rushing attack with 35 yards on seven carries.

The Cowboys need all cylinders pumping Thursday against a perfect team, playing near perfect football. If Dallas wants a shot at the NFC East title, they’ll have to play some perfect football themselves, starting with the Panthers.

What do you think? Will the Cowboys go on to win the NFC East? Answer in our poll question below and feel free to explain that choice in our comment section.

Random Thoughts:

• I think Robert Turbin is exactly what they thought Christine Michael could have been. Turbin is feisty. Hungry. Angry. He is running like he needs a job. Luckily for him, the Cowboys have one.

• It’s never over until someone says so, and I don’t think the Cowboys are out of the contest by any means. I never did. Keep this in mind: Romo has won 11 straight road games. Here are the remaining contests for Dallas, which I think are all matches The Boys can win.

Week 12: Panthers

Week 13: @Redskins

Week 14: @Packers

Week 15: Jets

Week 16: @Bills

Week 17: Redskins

• Despite earning 166 rushing yards last Sunday, the Cowboys’ offensive line must play better, especially against Carolina. The Hall of Fame type of line has been sketchy as of late, forcing Romo to play Houdini at times last Sunday.

• The Cowboys must dominate in the trenches, control the ground game, keep the quarterback’s jersey clean, win the time of possession, which will help the defense stay on the sidelines. I think that’s the winning blueprint — The Cowboys offensive line must return to 2014 form and dominate.

Next: What this former Cowboys player claims got him released shocked us!

• Rookie defensive back Byron Jones matters. He matters a lot. Jones was hurt in the closing seconds last Sunday, but he Tweeted that he will suit up Thursday for his first Thanksgiving stage. Perfect. Time for him to feast.

• Oh, I love the new Dallas Cowboy Thanksgiving jerseys! I can’t wait to seem them live! I hated that Dallas was forced to wear the blue jerseys the last couple of years. Though I still love the old throwback jersey, this new one has a 1990’s feel to it. It sort of feels like Troy Aikman (or even Jason Garrett) will suit up and make an appearance. I love it.