Dallas Cowboys begin down a narrow path to the playoffs
By Brad Austin
After renewed hope arrived with Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys fans have begun to wonder what the path to the playoffs looks like.
The Dallas Cowboys have offensive issues beyond wide receiver, but it’s hard not to get excited after management finally took a home run swing to improve the roster.
For months fans frustratingly watched other teams pluck away starting receivers and safeties. Furthermore, the Cowboys never considered adding a veteran tight end.
It was obvious their lack of adequately addressing at least one of those positions would be fatal. It’s a shame it took four losses to admit their neglectful mistake.
Debating over the cost is now pointless, the deal is done. What is important is realizing Amari Cooper is an elite talent. He has a full array of top receiving traits, is a legit number one passing option, and can be a difference maker in close games.
With a new offensive playmaker in tow, it’s time to look at the most evident path to reach a 9-7 record and slide into the playoffs.
RUNNING THE NFC EAST TABLE
There’s no chance Dallas finishes with more than nine wins. It would require winning 7 of 9 remaining games. Not happening. However, six wins the right way would do it.
The 2-3 conference record is already in bad shape with losses to wildcard contenders Carolina and Seattle. Also, Atlanta and New Orleans are still waiting on the NFC deck.
The chances of Dallas winning a wildcard tiebreaker or even divisional tiebreaker if relying on their damaged conference record are remote.
The most important part of the six needed wins is four coming from division opponents. A second loss to Washington (at home) would end all realistic hope. The Giants finale is a sure win if the division title is on the line. New York has already surrendered their season trading away two defensive starters this week.
Assuming Dallas wins those, the major task will be sweeping the 3-4 Eagles. It’s worth noting Travis Frederick is eligible to return (if healthy) for the second battle.
TWO NON-DIVISION WINS VERY DOABLE
If Dallas pulls off the unlikely and wins all four remaining NFC East contests, they’d finish with a 5-1 division record. Washington or Philadelphia would then need to secure ten wins to take the division, and neither look capable of such.
The second part of the equation for the Cowboys to reach 9-7 would be to lock down two non-divisional wins. Fortunately there are three mediocre opponents ripe for the picking, and two of the games are at home.
Tennessee (3-4)
@ Indianapolis (2-5)
Tampa Bay (3-3)
There are also two less favorable opportunities against Atlanta and New Orleans.
Next. 5 reasons the Amari Cooper trade was a mistake. dark
The bottom line is the Dallas Cowboys do have a very narrow path to 9-7, winning the division, and making the playoffs. While it’s not likely, a suffocating defense and a new dynamic weapon boosting the pass game does allow fans to dream again.