Dallas Cowboys: Can the ‘Boys really win the NFC East?
With the rest of the division scuffling, and despite their up-and-down season so far, can the Dallas Cowboys still win the NFC East?
On Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys did something they hadn’t done all season. They won back-to-back games. And they did so on the road. It would seem the team is trending upward, but will it be enough to win the division?
The Cowboys currently occupy the 8th seed in the NFC and are currently out of playoff contention. It’s likely the only way they make the playoffs is as one of the four division winners. It’ll at least guarantee one home playoff game.
The Washington Redskins lost quarterback Alex Smith to injury and the contest versus the Houston Texans on Sunday, leaving the Cowboys within one game of the divisional lead. Philadelphia was blown out by New Orleans and the Giants, despite their Week 11 win, still occupy the NFC East basement.
On Thanksgiving Day, the Cowboys will be facing the Redskins’ second-string quarterback and a team decimated by injuries. This is a game that can and has to be won, given the circumstances. Looking ahead, the red-hot New Orleans Saints come to town off the same 10-day layoff.
I don’t expect the Cowboys to beat New Orleans. But hey, any given Sunday, right? Conventional wisdom says “no”. Saints quarterback Drew Brees is having, well, a typical-Brees year, where he’s dissecting opponents like a medical examiner.
The defending champion Philadelphia Eagles are in disarray. Although divisional games are always tough, the Eagles have yet to find their rhythm. The rest of the schedule has winnable games against the Colts, Buccaneers, and the Giants.
While I don’t believe the Cowboys will run the table after the New Orleans game, perhaps they can. We know what the defense brings to the table virtually every game. They bring a tenacity with the new “Flying Dutchman” in linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, leading the charge.
The rookie defender is making a strong case for NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors to this point in the season. What are my misgivings about Dallas? It’s still the offense and quarterback Dak Prescott. The repeated failures in the red zone, resulting in field goals as opposed to touchdowns, is not sustainable.
Although Prescott had a touchdown pass dropped by Cole Beasley in the game against Atlanta on Sunday, Dak did not pick up Beasley when he threw behind wideout Amari Cooper on a slant, allowing the defensive back to get his hand on the ball. Thus, ruining the longest opening drive of the season.
Prescott continues to hold the ball too long, taking sacks and unnecessary hits. Against teams that can score, red zone conversions are an absolute must. Leaving too many throws on the field is a recipe for disaster and doesn’t keep Brees in the best possible place. The bench.
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The special teams need to get their act together as well. Foolish penalties, lack of situational awareness, and missed kicks, can turn the game on one play. I’m hopeful the Dallas Cowboys have begun to build some momentum and will win the division. What do you think? Tell us in the comment section below.