That sucked.

I was thinking about ending my analysis of the ass-kicking the Dallas Cowboys received right there. And frankly, that probably would have sufficed.

Not a whole lot to say about this game, really. In-depth analysis is far from necessary. But keep reading for a few more thoughts on yet another Cowboys season that ends without a championship.

Let’s start at the top. Jerry Jones has a little bit of work to do to get this team where it needs to be. Not a lot. But some. A decision has to be made about Marion Barber. I would like to see what kind of trade value he has. A couple of draft picks, maybe 3rd round or so, would be perfect.

The offensive line has to get some help. This area of the team has been the lone group that has not been able to be improved by the draft. It’s not like the Dallas Cowboys haven’t spent draft picks on them – it’s just that none of them have panned out. Doug Free seems to be all right, but (I never ever, ever thought I would say this) Flozell Adams’ injury killed the Cowboys today. The rest of the line was a sieve as well, but Flozell’s injury was the back-breaker.

We said to start 2008 that this offensive line was old. It needs to get younger heading into 2010. No question about it.

Terence Newman also needs be traded. His performance on the first Vikings TD to Sidney Rice should be a fireable offense. “Terence. You’re cut. Right now. Turn in your uniform and just go.” (Plus about 15 expletives.)

Was this loss Wade’s fault? Not really. But COME ON. (Going all caps here – it’s the only point I can really get upset about.) WHY AREN’T YOU GOING FOR IT THERE?? We’re here to win, not settle for field goals!

Did you honestly think that the odds were better that Suisham would make that field goal than picking up the first down on fourth and less than a yard? His longest kick this season was from 48 yards! Is the game significantly different at that point if that field goal goes through? Ehhh. Maybe. At best. Going for it there also challenges your team, sets a tone for the game and tells the Vikings that you’re not going anywhere.

That’s a reflection of Wade Phillips’ lack of aggression, and it is why he should not be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys next year.

Wade has not been a horrible coach. He’s not the worst coach to ever coach the Dallas Cowboys. Far from it. But I just don’t think he has the chops to get this team to a Super Bowl. Focus on the defense. Be the defensive coordinator. But I think it’s time that someone else takes over the head coaching duties for this team. And no, that person is not Jason Garrett.

Other than that first call, it’s really hard to go into too much detail about this game. Before the game, I thought whoever got more pressure on the other team would win. And that’s exactly what happened. The Minnesota Vikings got more pressure on Tony Romo than the Dallas Cowboys got on Brett Favre. That’s why they won the game.

It also helped that the Minnesota Vikings are a better team and they were playing at home after basically taking two weeks off.

I just hope the expectations for the Dallas Cowboys haven’t been lowered too much. This franchise has won five Super Bowls. Please don’t tell me we’re going to start calling this a successful season because we won a playoff game for the first time in 13 years. It wasn’t. It was a nice year, but ultimately a failure.

Failure that needs to be rectified next year. Eleven straight years in the NFC, there’s been a different representative in the Super Bowl (including this year, no matter who wins next week’s contest).

None of those years have included the Dallas Cowboys. That needs to change.

Soon.

For the Dallas Cowboys, a victory on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings can come in a variety of forms.

Check out how they can pull off a win, why I have so many questions and maybe even a prediction for the contest after the jump.

Making Brett Favre beat you would seem to be the order of the day for the Cowboys defense. Stop Adrian Peterson. Force a fumble or two.

Or shut down the big vertical passing game with Percy Harvin, Sidney Rice, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shiancoe. Weird how Shiancoe worries me the most of those four guys listed there.

Or have Tony Romo carve up a depleted secondary with precision passes to Miles Austin and Jason Witten.

All three would work, although Minnesota has just as good a chance, especially considering they’re at home and they have yet to lose there this season.

I really wouldn’t be too surprised by any outcome of this game. I could easily see either team winning this game by ten points or less, simply because I think these teams are that close to each other. Honestly? This game is a coin flip. A neutral site would probably yield 5 victories for both sides. (You can say that about most games. I just felt like channeling my inner Dan Dierdorf on that one.)

Minnesota has a high-flying offense; Dallas’ defense is playing as well as any unit left in the playoffs right now, save for maybe the Cardinals’ offense. I do believe the Cowboys had Philly figured out along with the advantage in most of the matchups. This game, though? I’m not so sure. There’s a reason Adrian Peterson has so many nicknames.

I’ve also seen way too many people pick the Dallas Cowboys this week, which makes me very nervous. Not saying everyone picked Dallas (Bob Sturm), it just seemed like that. The national opinion is not usually a good sign for the favorite.

Going into positional advantages to break down this game just seems pointless to me. Yes, the Cowboys are going to have trouble against the Vikings front running the ball, but what if Felix Jones can break off a few runs? Will that soften up the secondary? How many shotgun draws will be run? Will Roy Williams be as effective as he was last week? Will Wade actually break out a box of Krispy Kremes on the sidelines? Can his defense really slow down the Vikings?

Will Shaun Suisham cost us the game? Can the Dallas Cowboys get pressure on Favre without blitzing (i.e. Spencer, Ware, Ratliff…)? Who will commit the big turnover? Why is Brad Childress’ headset different than all the other NFL coaches’? Will I mute the TV to avoid hearing Joe Buck? Can Bobby Carpenter actually continue to make plays? Will Flozell Adams remember his hearing aid? Does Flozell Adams even have a hearing aid? Can Marion Barber actually walk, much less run?

Can the Dallas Cowboys really be this good? Or will they finally hear too much of themselves and get overconfident? Who will be in Jerry’s owner’s suite this week? Or will he watch the game from the sideline? Did Tashard Choice give a big super-inspirational speech before the game? Why does FOX have a robot? WHY?????????

And the most important question of all:

Can the Dallas Cowboys really keep going until Spring Training?

(Well, close enough anyway. You get the idea.)

So many questions. So little time.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys 23, Minnesota Vikings 21

Right now, I’ve got a smile on my face that I’m pretty sure is bigger than the one Miles Austin has when he scores.

That game wasn’t even as close as the 20-point final margin. If it hadn’t been for a ton of penalties and one particularly stupid decision by Mike Jenkins, there might have been 50 points scored by the good guys tonight.

A few more observations on a win 13 years in the making after the jump.The Eagles scored because of two plays. The Vick pass to Maclin where Jenkins slipped and Jenkins’ ill fated decision to lateral that interception. Other than that, the Dallas Cowboys probably would be looking at their third straight shutout. At any rate, this defense is playing as well as I’ve ever seen a Dallas defense play. I know I said that last week, but it’s still true.

Some defensive stats: 340 yards allowed, 284 through the air. Seems like a lot, but keep in mind 76 were on one play and the Eagles managed to gain about 40-50 passing yards in garbage time. 5 forced turnovers, 4 sacks, 9 (!?) passes deflected, 9 QB hits, 2/11 3rd down conversion percentage for the Eagles. McNabb also got out of what seemed like 4 other sacks. Put our pass rush up against the Vikings offensive line and the decidedly less mobile Brett Favre? That water you see is DeMarcus Ware, Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer salivating.

Offensively, it wasn’t so much that the Eagles stopped the Cowboys, it was that the Cowboys stopped themselves. God there were so many penalties. Sorry to see Marion Barber go out with a knee injury (kind of). I believe I would consider myself a fan of a Felix Jones-Tashard Choice combo. Which would be an understatement along the lines of it’s chilly in Chicago in the winter. I love the Jones-Choice combo.

Nothing against Marion. He’s been great. I’m not tossing him out on the street. All I’m saying is that he looks a step slow right now for whatever reason. Maybe that’s the knee injury. Hope he feels better soon.

Tony Romo got a couple of breaks tonight. The overturned interception was the biggest one, obviously. That game is a lot different if that stays as a pick. But that ends up turning into a Cowboys touchdown and the Cowboys don’t trail after that. But he was composed and made all the throws he needed to when he needed to make them. Another rating over 100. That seems to be pretty much a magic number.

Bobby Carpenter had two fumble recoveries. Roy Williams had 5 catches for 59 yards. (And no drops!) That pretty much sums up the night right there.

I could go into even more detail about how Mike Jenkins had two interceptions, Ed Hochuli doesn’t look that good in HD, Jason Witten couldn’t possibly be any faster than newest Ranger Vlad Guerrero…

But that really wouldn’t be worth your time. All that matters is this: Tony Romo and Wade Phillips have a playoff win.

And so do the Dallas Cowboys.

Under Andy Reid, the Philadelphia Eagles are 7-0 in first round playoff games.

Not exactly great odds for Jerry’s Wade’s bunch.

I’ve tried to put this post off as long as I could. But for the first week of school, it has gone by remarkably fast. Perhaps the big guy upstairs knows how nervous I am about this game.

I’m not nervous because I believe the Dallas Cowboys have to play perfect to win. (What if Wade gave a speech like Billy Bob’s in Friday Night Lights? I think I would have a look on my face somewhere between confusion, panic and sheer joy.) I don’t believe they do.

In fact, I believe right now, the Dallas Cowboys are a better football team than the Philadelphia Eagles.

But that doesn’t really matter right now. All that matters is the Dallas Cowboys have to be better tomorrow night.

So to psych myself up, let’s take a look at a kick-ass pump up montage.

Awesome Versus Sports Montage

Okay. I’m feeling better. Explosions in the Sky will do that (hence the Friday Night Lights title).

So let’s break this baby down, shall we?

QBs: Tony Romo has gone from exile to full-fledged Jedi Warrior in a pretty short span. Although he needs to win a couple of playoff games before he approaches Obi-Wan/Mace Windu status. But with the way he’s playing right now, I feel pretty confident that we’re going to see a focused Romo play up to the level we’ve seen the last few weeks. Donovan F. McNabb? Always dangerous, but prone to the stinkbomb (like last week). So many skipped passes and bad throws. And that stupid moon walk dance he does when he scores! (Grasping? Yeah….) Matt Saracen Memorial QB1: Romo

Fan Base: Well, I’d like to think that the city of Dallas lives and dies with the Cowboys, but I’m pretty sure that’s not exactly true. Philadelphia seems more enamored with the Phillies lately (although who could blame them? Two straight NL titles and a World Series? Rangers? You kidding me?), but those guys in the green are crazy. Buddy Garrity Seal of Approval: Philly fans

Offense: The Dallas Cowboys have more of a grind-it-out offense (much like my beloved Northwestern Wildcats, whose loss I’m getting close to accepting.), while the Philadelphia Eagles are built for the big plays. They don’t get shut down much, but games like last week’s are not pretty for them. Both teams commit their fair share of penalties, so I guess it’s just a question of which offense you prefer. Me? I like the more balanced attack. You know, a running game and a passing game. But if you need further explanation for my selection, just look at the title of this blog. Boobie Miles Edge: Dallas Cowboys

Mascots: Rowdy sucks. Mojo: Philly Eagle

Defense: I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a Dallas Cowboys defense play this well. (Hey the stats back that up! That’s cool!) Two straight shutouts in the NFL is pretty sweet. Even if one of them was against the sorry, no-account Redskins. A lot of people have talked about the lack of blitzing from the Philly defense as evidence that the Eagles were holding back in the game last Sunday. Maybe they just thought blitzing was the way to go? I mean, it could happen. Just look at the pilot of Friday Night Lights – I mean, Matt Saracen comes in to replace town hero Jason Street and wins the game when he runs backwards 40 yards and then throws the ball basically 50-60 yards…wait, never mind. Ivory Christian Strong, Silent Type: DeMarcus Ware and the Dallas Cowboys

Stadiums: The Linc against the Death Star. I’ve never been to Philly, but I hear Lincoln Financial Field is a very nice place to see a game that has no soul like the old piss-stained Vet. (Again, this is just what I’ve heard.) Meanwhile, the Death Star is something you can see from at least 10-15 miles away. Flabbergastingly large and just absolutely ridiculous. But the Dallas Cowboys did go 6-2 there this year. So that has to count for something. Right? Right??? Hermann Field Award: Push

Coaches: You get the feeling that this matchup is not exactly what Subway is looking for in their advertising. You’d think that the Walrus would pop the Stay-Puft marshmallow man, so I’m going with the Michelin Man. (I mean, my God.) Still, Reid has won 10 playoff games with the Eagles. Wade? A big, fat donut. (Chocolate glazed caked, Wade. Why do you ask?) Eric Taylor Clipboard Holder: Andy (The Walrus) Reid

Characters: I’m calling Jerry Jones a character here. (Mainly because I love the posts on Kissing Suzy Kolber that make fun of him.) What a great addition to the team! Besides, this team is a good, happy-go-lucky team right now. kind of tight, so go ahead DeSean! Call us out! We’re overconfident! (Almost got shocked there from the Jinx Police.) For Philly, DeSean Jackson sure does run his mouth a lot. And last year he forgot to carry the football with him over the goal line! That was funny. Plus he said something about stingers this week. That makes him a character. But for sheer comedic value, I’m going with Jerruh. Tim Riggins Fascination Medal: Jerruh Jones

Can the Cowboys be Perfect?

Final Breakdown: Wow, is the movie more than five years old already? Geez. Time flies.  I was watching it the other day and was amazed at how quickly the story moved. Something tells me Peter Berg’s first cut was something like a three hour flick. Still, there are a good number of Chill Scenes (Bill Simmons®), making it a great sports flick. Not to mention maybe the greatest soundtrack of all time. The TV show, though. Wow. Probably my favorite TV drama ever, and approaching Arrested Development for best ever. Always entertaining, and surprisingly good football scenes and storylines. Yeah the timeline is a bit flawed, but so what? It’s a good show. Slight Edge: Eric Taylor and the Dillon Panthers

Hmm. That’s not right…

Final Breakdown: Saturday’s already here? Ugh. Pass the Pepto. On paper, the Cowboys should win. They are playing better than anybody except for maybe the Chargers. True, the Eagles had won six in a row heading into last week. But the Dallas Cowboys are the ones on the winning streak right now. Every pick I’ve seen has the Cowboys winning. Maybe I’m overly nervous. Whatever. I’ll probably be watching half of this game with my hands over my face anyway. Edge: Dallas Cowboys, 24-14.

Wade pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Kyle Chandler (Eric Taylor) pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Derek Luke (Boobie Miles) pic: http://www.life.com/image/84013453

Billy Bob Thornton (Gary Gaines) pic: http://movies.ign.com/articles/554/554690p1.html

An INNNNNNNNNNN-credible win tonight by the Dallas Cowboys. One of the best games I can remember. At the end of course. Not exactly when Nick Folk missed that field goal and ended his career, but at the end, that feeling of euphoria was unlike any feeling after a Cowboys game since maybe the Bills game in 2007.

DeMarcus Ware. Most important athlete in the Metroplex except for maybe Dirk. But tonight was a performance that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Much more after the jump.

The whole defense played extremely well. To hold this New Orleans Saints team to less than a touchdown for the first three quarters was spectacular. Yes, the Saints scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Devery Henderson dropped a sure touchdown in the third quarter. But this team made the play at the end. DeMarcus Ware forces two fumbles, one on the last drive, and the Dallas Cowboys get the job done.

Anthony Spencer had a fantastic game. A couple sacks, and another called back because of a really dumb penalty on Orlando Scandrick. With him and Ware and Ratliff, that is a defensive line that will wreak havoc on just about anyone.

Mike Jenkins, right now, is a Pro Bowl cornerback. Another interception today, and very strong play throughout the game. It is incredible how far he has come since the beginning of last season. There was serious talk before the season that Scandrick might be the superior cornerback. Now, there’s no question that Jenkins is the best cornerback on the Dallas Cowboys, and one of the best in the NFL.

I will put the Dallas Cowboys defense up right now against any offense in the NFL. No matter who or where, I think this defense gives the Cowboys a chance to win every game.

Tony Romo has fully regained his Jedi status. That was one of the finest performances him have. Romo was cool and confident, making every play that he could to help his team to victory. Only one missed throw sticks out right now – A ball at Miles Austin’s feet that could have given the team a first down in the first half. But a majority of the incompletions that went on Romo’s ledger tonight were drops from his teammates.

Speaking of which, Roy Williams was almost invisible tonight. I’m pretty sure he made a play on the first drive, but other than that, I can’t remember him even being targeted except for that fourth quarter slant that he dropped. I don’t know what the team needs to do to get him into a rhythm or contributing, but they’ve got to do something. I feel better with Romo getting the ball to Kevin Ogletree or Sam Hurd. Heck, even John Phillips had three or four catches!

Great game by Miles Austin though. When the Dallas Cowboys need a big catch, I’m pretty sure I know who they’re going to.

I’m not going to say that much about Nick Folk. He made some great kicks for this team the past couple years, but he clearly does not have “it” any more. When you are an NFL kicker, you cannot miss a 24-yard field goal. Period. Forget the kick being straight on and inside. That kick must be made in all locations and under all conditions. No excuses. But thanks for the memories Nick Folk – hope you find another good gig.

What is the ceiling for this team? I’m not sure. What will happen? That’s anyone’s guess. I’m pretty sure not even Miss Cleo could figure out what’s going to happen with the Dallas Cowboys. But they can beat anyone. This game, at the very least, proved that.

Bring on the Redskins.

 Spencer pic: http://www.realdallascowboyfans.com/archives/2009/07/entry_23.html

Just this week I watched WALL-E, The Dark Knight and The Rocker. Combined viewings: somewhere around 15. (Quite a combo, huh?)

What I don’t love: Watching this movie about the Dallas Cowboys anymore. Every year December comes around and I hope it’s going to be different.

But the last few years? It’s like watching Rush Hour 3 over and over again.Before we get to the review of the last few seasons, let’s put Sunday’s game against the San Diego Chargers to bed. First of all, the Chargers are really good. Three games left for them: Cincinnati, @Tennessee, Washington. I expect them to win all of those three, finish 13-3 and earn the 2nd seed in the AFC. That team has a very good chance to win the Super Bowl; in my book, they’re the quiet favorites.

And the Dallas Cowboys should have been in a position to beat them.

Should they have won? No. I can’t go that far. But 10 points were left on the field. Take out the last garbage touchdown, and that game’s tied.

Now, obviously the game is different if Barber gets in. The game is different. It’s 10-10. 2nd and goal from the 1 and you get stopped three straight times. With Marion Barber. One of the “best” short-yardage backs in the NFL. Supposedly.

So Rivers is picked off, and Nick Folk misses a 42 yard field goal. Indoors. At home. With a perfect snap and hold. This is bordering on Vanderjagt territory. Or at least Ben Stein territory. (Buehler? Buehler?)

Obviously if the Cowboys score the TD, Rivers probably doesn’t throw the interception. Still, time was running out then. So let’s say the defense holds, and it’s 10-10 going into the half. That’s a whole different kettle of fish than being down 10-3 going through the restaurant club into the locker room.

(I’m pretty sure that expression is older than Joseph “Live and Let” Addai. TAKE THAT, BERMAN!)

The biggest stat of the day is this: 5-12 on 3rd down conversions today for the Chargers. Whenever they needed to pick up a third down, they got it. Dallas Cowboys? 1-8 on 3rd downs. When they needed a big play, they didn’t get it. Simple as that.

Of all the conversions, the biggest one is the one I’m seeing again right now on SportsCenter. Right after the horrifying injury to DeMarcus Ware (and godspeed to him on his recovery. Lord knows the Dallas Cowboys need him back as soon as he’s 100% healthy.), Vincent Jackson gets free on the sideline and the Chargers pick up a 3rd and 12 en route to the lead they would never relinquish.

Terence Newman. What are you doing on that play? I know you just had one of your teammates get carted off, but this was a HUGE play. Focus! Stop the Bolts there and you get the ball back with a chance to take the lead. I would say he expected to get coverage help, but I’m not even sure of that. There was no help to be seen, as Sensabaugh was forced to cover the slot receiver running straight down the middle of the field.

But if he was expecting help, wouldn’t he have tried to bust Jackson off his route at the line of scrimmage? What’s the point of just running within five yards of him? It’s not like Vincent Jackson had beaten him – Terence was pretty much parallel with him, just not close enough to make a play. SO WHAT IN THE WORLD ARE YOU DOING THERE TERENCE??? YOU ARE A WASTE OF A MAN ON THIS PLAY.

Gahhhhh.

But this team has to play perfect to win. And that, my friends, is something they seem incapable of doing.

A review of the last few seasons? That’s not considered torture in the United Nations? All right. But not tonight.

I don’t want to see this movie any more.

Newman pic: http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/terence-newman/

Berman pic: http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/2007/02/its_11am_which_.html

There’s not a lot I want to say about this game.

Yes, it was quite possibly the ugliest Cowboys win ever.

But it was still a win.

A little bit more after the jump.

Another great game by the defense. This team may not be in the upper echelon of teams in the NFL, but there are only three teams that have better records. (Seriously.) And it’s all because this defense always keeps this team in the game. From front to back, even with the loss of Ken Hamlin, this defense is not easy to score on.

True, the yardage allowed is not pretty, but all that matters is what goes on the scoreboard. Is the Washington Redskins’ offense a good one? Not particularly. But it’s not horrible. There are worse quarterbacks than Jason Campbell. Really. Maybe I’m just trying to rationalize the performance, but I think the Dallas Cowboys‘ defense is at least above average, perhaps even good.

Nick Folk needs to get his head right with the ball. Whatever is going on inside of that noggin needs to be fixed pronto. There’s no excuse for missing field goals under 40 yards inside on the turf. Is Mat McBriar having trouble getting the laces turned around? Then get Kitna out there. OR LEARN HOW TO KICK THE BALL. Sorry. A little fired up there.

I just don’t have the energy or gumption to break this game down from an offensive standpoint. What is there to say? This offense, right now, is just bad. Roy Williams is the ultimate buzzkill. Marion and Felix had great games, combining for about 150 yards on 30 carries. That’s great. I’ll take that every game.

Here’s the problem: With the way this offensive line is playing, those are kind of empty numbers. There are far too many penalties and dumb plays. I would love to see the Dallas Cowboys stuff the ball down their opponents’ throats for 150 to 200 yards per game on the ground. But that’s not going to happen if this team is going to make the playoffs. If the Dallas Cowboys can pick up three first downs on the ground on one drive, they should consider themselves lucky (and probably do).

Running the ball will not work for this offense. Passing the ball barely works for this offense. Should the Dallas Cowboys abandon the run? Of course not. They should find a way to get the offensive line to not commit so many penalties and cost them unnecessary yards. The passing game will open up a lot if they are able to put a consistent running game together.

But, all that said, the Washington Redskins’ defense is not really that bad. All in all, they’re pretty solid. Washington is a talented team trapped in a bad situation. Which is great for the Dallas Cowboys (and us as Dallas Cowboys fans).

The Cowboys are still leading the NFC East. They have an extremely winnable game coming up Thursday. They should still be in first place come December 6 when they take on the New York Giants.

And really, that’s all you can ask for.

After a shaky start, the Cowboys have started to click into place in all three areas of the game – offense, defense and, yes, special teams – and are riding high right now. First place in the NFC East and a four game winning streak has the Cowboys sitting pretty at 6-2.

Take a look after the jump at a breakdown of each position and a revised look at the Cowboys schedule.

ROSTER:

QB: Tony Romo personifies this team probably more than any other player on the roster. After a shaky start to his season with a few clunkers (v. New York, @ Denver), he’s playing great, especially on third down. His QB rating this year is 95.8 – good for 8th best in the NFL. Bob Sturm found this stat on Adam Schefter’s Twitter: Tony Romo’s QB rating on 3rd down against the Eagles was 149.1. That’s just about perfect on the downs when his team needs him the most. Mistake free football goes a long way.

RB: Interesting that the running game hasn’t been quite as dominant in the last few wins as it was when the team was struggling. Felix Jones still looks tentative after his injury, especially on kickoffs. Marion Barber looks great in the 4th quarter, although he looks VERY average before then. An average of 4.6 yards/carry over 98 carries is still great, though.

Tashard Choice is hopefully going to get more carries after the impressive showing of the Razorback (not Wildcat) offense on Sunday. 4.9 YPC for him, and Felix is averaging 7.3, albeit on only 21 carries.

WR: Miles “Gummy Bear” Austin is simply incredible. I mean, I’ve never seen as much pink in one mouth when Big League Chew wasn’t involved. Oh yeah, his stats are good too. 27 catches for 612 yards and 7 TDs. In four starts. No big deal.

Roy Williams finally showed some signs of life on Sunday – if he can get going, the receivers could really be deadly. Patrick Crayton has been fine, Sam Hurd has made a few plays, and every Kevin Ogletree play worked last week, so no complaints from this end of the Peanut Gallery.

TE: An almost underwhelming year for Jason Witten until you take a look at the number of third downs he converts. Now that Romo has found another couple of targets, teams probably won’t be sending too many double teams his way. That might free him up for a couple of big gainers down the stretch. The Certifiably Insane Martellus Bennett has been great in blocking, but his 90 receiving yards this year ranks up on the list for highest disappointments.

O-Line: I refuse to write anything in this category at the risk of jinxing the play of this group. Just know that other than Flozell’s guaranteed penalty a game, I could not be happier with the play and the health of the line.

(Furiously knocking on every piece of wood in sight)

D-Line: You cannot stop Jay Ratliff, you can only hope to contain him. Igor Olshansky has been stellar in the running game, and yet he’s not even the best pickup for the D. (Foreshadowing, anyone?) Marcus Spears seems to have it together. Sometimes. Siavii, Bowen and Hatcher have all heard their names called at various points also.

LB: Man oh man. Faithful readers of this humble blog know how I yearn for a Keith Brooking jersey. I mean, I know the guy’s 34, but how could the Falcons let this guy go? D-Ware has begun to round into last season’s form as he looks to work through a stress fracture in his foot, and Anthony Spencer played maybe the best game of his career on Sunday against Philly. Just like I said before the season – this is the strongest position on the team.

I sure do like Victor Butler too – whenever he’s in there, it looks like he’s around the ball and making tackles.

Secondary: The one area I was truly worried about was the secondary, but right now, this secondary looks to be as strong as any. Gerald Sensabaugh has been fabulous at safety and Mike Jenkins has made a trampoline leap from questionable starter to possibly this team’s best corner. Terence is obviously still #1, but the gap is closer than you think.

Special Teams: I don’t know what it was about the baseball defense analogy that fit about this special teams unit, but somehow it fit. Two punt returns for touchdowns already, David Buehler has had WAY more of an impact than anyone thought possible and Nick Folk is still Nick Folk. Ogletree might see some kick return action this week, so that could be nice to see.

SCHEDULE:

What everyone wants to know – how will the Cowboys do coming down the home stretch?

Week 10 – @ Green Bay

With the Packers’ offensive line a disaster on par of the ones in 2012, I’ve got to think that Ratliff, Ware and even Bobby Carpenter could get into the backfield and disrupt Aaron Rodgers. Lambeau has never been kind to the Dallas Cowboys, but Romo and the rest of the offense should be able to get enough of a rhythm going to score enough. Prediction: Cowboys 27, Packers 14

Week 11 – vs. Washington

This game seems like an easy win, and it should be. But something tells me this game is going to be tougher than expected. Last year’s home game against the Redskins was supposed to be an easy win too… Prediction: Cowboys 20, Redskins 17

Week 12 – vs. Oakland

This game will be an easy win. Prediction: Cowboys 38, Raiders 3

Week 13 – @ New York Giants

If not for an epic Romo stinkbomb, the first regular season game at the Death Star would have been a win. A triumph here would be a huge statement, especially if the win streak is still going. It’s not inconceivable the Cowboys could be 10-2 after a win here. Eli struggles at home, but this could be the Giants’ last stand. Prediction: Giants 31, Cowboys 30

Week 14 – vs. San Diego Chargers

San Diego always plays well in December. I don’t expect anything different this year, but I really don’t think the Chargers are quite as strong as they have been in the past. Dallas cannot afford to lose both this game and the Giants game with the Saints looming. Prediction: Cowboys 24, Chargers 20

Week 15 – @ New Orleans Saints

New Orleans has looked vulnerable over the past couple of weeks, falling behind to both the likes of Miami and Carolina. Where are they weak? The Panthers seemed to get ahead of the Saints via the running game. Could we see the trio lead the way to a win in the Superdome? Right now, I say no. Prediction: Saints 38, Cowboys 34

Week 16 – @ Washington Redskins

Where are we at now? Cowboys at 10-4? That sounds like a nice little run. But there’s NO way they have the division sown up by this game with that record. So the Cowboys come out firing and put the Redskins away early. (God, that felt good to say.) Prediction: Cowboys 30, Redskins 10

Week 17 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles

My original prediction before the year was that the Cowboys would win this game 44-6 to get revenge on last year’s contest. With the road win over the Eagles already in the bag, though, I suppose this game will probably be a bit closer. Prediction: Cowboys 44, Eagles 7

So there you have it. Cowboys finish up 12-4, probably with the third seed in the conference, and play the Eagles in the first round.

A tall task to beat a division foe three games in one year, especially in back-to-back weeks, but we’ll tackle that when the Cowboys get there.

Well, well, well.

This changes everything, now doesn’t it?

Wade outcoached somebody. Not a phrase that has been uttered often around the Ranch.

A big time win for the Dallas Cowboys last night, and while it may not have been the most spectacular win in team history, it certainly went a long way to erase last year’s debacle to end the season.

So can this team really challenge for the conference crown? The answer to that along with more game thoughts after the jump.

Wade Phillips took a lot of flak last season, much of it deserved. This week, though, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys deserves some credit. The Dallas Cowboys came out ready to play and knew exactly what they had to do to beat the Philadelphia Eagles. And they did it.

Save for a few dumb penalties (which I’m starting to put on the players rather than Wade – he’s not out there for them), this team looked more polished, more prepared and frankly, more talented than the Eagles. Well done by Wade Phillips – now the test begins: keeping the players focused on the postseason.

If this defense only allows one touchdown per game, the Dallas Cowboys will be tougher than raw meat to beat this season. While the Philadelphia Eagles did manage three field goals, none of them were under 45 yards. Once the weather (freakishly warm up north) turns to what we expect, the Dallas Cowboys will happily make the opposing kicker attempt 45, 48 and 52 yard field goals.

DeMarcus Ware was his old self, wreaking havoc in the backfield and pressuring Donovan McNabb all night. Jay Ratliff was also playing great, with two sacks and two tackles for loss.

But maybe the best game that was played on the defense that no one will realize is Anthony Spencer. The stat sheet is not outstanding – only two solo tackles. But without Spencer creating matchup problems for the offensive line of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jay Ratliff probably isn’t able to have the game that he’s able to have.

Keith Brooking was his normal self, flying around and making all sorts of tackles. The defensive holding penalty was frustrating, but that kind of stuff will happen. No one is going to be perfect. By the way, the officials have definitely had better games. That was disgusting. Oh well, it’s just fortunate for the Dallas Cowboys that none of their calls prevented the team from winning.

All week, I was terrified that DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin were going to tear our secondary up, but that game last night was one of the best games our secondary has played in a long while. Mike Jenkins is developing into a shutdown corner. DeSean Jackson had two catches for 29 yards. Pretty self-explanatory that Terence Newman did his job. Sensabaugh got beat on the touchdown to Celek, but McNabb was in front of the line of scrimmage anyway.

The Cowboys weren’t going to get beat, and they didn’t. Kudos to Wade Phillips and the Dallas Cowboys coaches for a stellar game plan.

Special Teams again were a strength for the Cowboys. It’s simply amazing how much that area has improved – just like the Rangers’ defense this past year. One bad punt for McBriar, but he still managed to average 43.8 yards per punt.

There was that one kick return – but because of the holding penalty, it didn’t happen. So there you go.

If a perfect game is a picture worthy of hanging in the Louvre, this offensive game for the Dallas Cowboys is worthy of hanging in the Dallas Museum of Art. Not spectacular, but good enough. Tony Romo finally threw an interception, but also threw for 300 yards and made enough plays for the Dallas Cowboys to win.

The running game struggled at times, although the Wildcat formation looked deadly and Marion Barber continues to turn it on in the fourth quarter. All the gimmicky plays worked for Jason Garrett last night, highlighted by the play of one Kevin Ogletree. Each catch he had was a big one, but it was a great effort by him and his blockers to make that happen.

Philadelphia’s defense is pretty solid. No shame in only putting up 20 points against them.

So now the Cowboys move on to take on the Green Bay Packers, who just got done giving the Buccaneers their first win of the season. The offensive line has gotten the major pub this year for being the weak link for the Pack, but there really hasn’t been an area where the Pack has been great this year.

Another winnable game coming up this Sunday. There is a propensity to look ahead and see a few mediocre-to-average teams coming up on the schedule, but one game at a time will do.

First place is first place. Let’s just enjoy that for now.

Wade pic: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/pt/slideshows/2008/10/pho_bengalscows_2008/

On the surface, it may not seem like this statement should be true. The Falcons are a much better team than the Seahawks and a win means more for the season than a win over the injury-plagued Seahawks.

And yet…

To get solid performances out of all three areas of the team in back-to-back weeks hasn’t happened since the 2007 season.

Are we headed for a similar season? Check it out after the jump.

As for today’s game, it was never truly in doubt. One of those games where the Cowboys could have named the score.

A great game for the defense, with only 10 points allowed save for that ridiculous final fumble. Another week with a garbage time touchdown. Three sacks, a couple of fumbles forced (only one when the game was in question) – another encouraging performance.

Bobby Carpenter had a sack today where he rushed through the center and actually looked like he knew what he was doing. I felt this deserved its own line.

All in all, no complaints on the defensive side of the ball. Julius Jones was held to under four yards a carry, although Hasselbeck didn’t have a horrible game. He wasn’t really that good either.

The offensive side of the ball was a bit less pretty, although this team did what it needed when it had to. The Dallas Cowboys converted four first downs as a result of Seattle penalties, including a couple of pass interference penalties on Marcus Trufant.

The Jedi seems to be getting his power back at the Death Star. Maybe he’s actually a Sith???? Nah, just kidding.

But Tony Romo has played very well since the Denver game, especially in the last two contests. The fact that he hasn’t thrown an interception in three games will be the story, but a QB rating of 108.3 for #9 will win this team a lot of games.

Two sacks against Romo today, which is about right. A couple of head-scratching plays from the offensive line, but if you’re not used to that yet as a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, then you obviously haven’t been watching this team very long. But Romo was never really running for his life – the Seahawks just got to him a couple of times.

What happened to this team’s rushing attack? Did I just imagine that game against the Giants earlier this year when the Dallas Cowboys ran for 251 yards?

113 yards today, including the 11 yard Crayton abomination. Way too many running plays to wide receivers. One per game, maximum. I suppose that’s just an example of Jason Garrett feeding his ego – trying to look fancy instead of keeping it simple.

Not a spectacular game for Marion the Barbarian with only 53 yards on 14 carries, but 3.8 yards per carry is still decent. Felix added a 4.9 average on 8 carries.  Only garbage time carries for Tashard Choice, which needs to change. Although it did seem like he was in there on a good number of third downs.

The importance of next week’s game cannot be overstated. If the Cowboys win, their chances are strong to have a 9-2 record heading into the month of December. The three games following the Eagles showdown? @Green Bay, vs. Washington and vs. Oakland. Winning in Lambeau is never easy, but the Dallas Cowboys need to pull it off to be a serious contender.

This team has two losses. One of which looks flukier by the week. (Go back and look at how poorly Tony Romo played or how many breaks went against the Cowboys in that game. That one should be a win.) The other came against a 6-1 team at one of the toughest environments in the NFL. In a game which the Cowboys had a 1st and Goal with a chance to tie it.

The Dallas Cowboys are a good team. Now they’re finally starting to show it.

Wade pic: blog.pennlive.com

Carpenter pic: nwe.scout.com