Two weeks to re-motivate themselves, regain focus, and prepare themsleves for the most important battles yet in this war.
By Saturday Night, we may know the opponent. Washington and Seattle play at 4:30 and if The Redskins win, they automatically are heading to Dallas in Week 2. If Seattle wins, the team heading to Texas Stadium will be the winner of Sunday's New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccanneers' game.
If it's New York...Dallas would have to face The Giants for the 3rd time this season, and defeat them for the 3rd time to advance to the Conference Championship Game. Eli Manning is either on, or way off... Jeremy Shockey is out due to injury... Center Shaun O'Hara, linebacker Kawika Mitchell and Cornerback Sam Madison all might be out due to injury as well... I predict a threepeat if New York comes to town.
If it's Tampa Bay...
Dallas would have to have a repeat performance of last year's Thanksgiving Day Game where the 'Boys dominated the entire game, finishing 38-10. The Defense, however is the number 1 rated Defense in the NFC, and the offense isn't shabby either, they aren't in the playoffs for nothing. I can't predict an outcome, but if the Cowboys are on-point, then it shouldn't be impossible for Dallas to pick apart their D a
nd dominate Offensively.If it's Washington...
Dallas would be facing the Redskins for the 3rd time this season, and having lost so harshly to them just one game ago, this matchup might give the Cowboys the motivation they need to enact a revenge at home. It's hard to predict how the Redskins will play, they are on 4 game winning streak, but it followed a 4 game losing streak. I guarantee with 2 weeks to prepare, the desire for payback, starters...starting, and home field advantage, Dallas will keep this game a lot closer than they did in Week 17.
Regardless of the opponent, Dallas will be heading into the playoffs healthier than once thought, although there are a few crucial pieces that are questionable. Terrell Owens and Andre Gurode have certainly been key components in the Cowboys' 13-3 record, yet both are nursing injuries and have had limited to no practice this week.
There is good news with injuries however, as Terry Glenn finally seems healthy, even without a catch in his first game back in Week 17's Washington Game, he seems ready to play and can provide much needed support if T.O. doesn't play. Terrence Newman, Pat Watkins and Jay Ratliff all sustained injuries in the matchup at Washington, yet practiced and are expected to play in the Post-Season.
A year ago, Dallas fell to Seattle in the first week of the playoffs. An unforgettable bobbled snap by Tony Romo on the potential game-winning field goal attempt, ended The Cowboys' hopes for a Superbowl run. Will the pendulum swing the other way this year, showering The 'Boys with luck, or will they continue their streak of bad performances, mistakes and missed opportunities, and end the year on yet another sour note?
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