OK, now that week 16 is officially over and the Chicago Bears upset the Vikings in overtime on Monday Night, the playoff picture is getting a little bit more clear.
New Orleans, Minnesota, Arizona, Philly, Green Bay and Dallas are all in the playoffs, but they have yet to determine what position and seed they will get. (I'm not going to even get into the confusing AFC Playoff picture.)
If Dallas wins against the Eagles, they will win the division title. If Dallas wins against the Eagles and if Minnesota and Arizona lose, Dallas will secure the number 2 seed and receive a bye week. So as difficult as it may be, I'll be rooting for the Giants against Minnesota and Green Bay against Arizona.
It may have been a year ago, but I'm hoping that 44-6 is still strong in the Cowboys' minds. Another finale against the Eagles, and although it's not as dire as last year's "do or die" game, you better believe they will be playing their hearts out to get the division title.
And with all 16 games being played on Sunday... it's going to be a busy day, but when it's all said and done, all of our playoff questions will be answered.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Week 16 Recap - Dallas (17) @ Washington (0)
Thanks to Carolina for giving Dallas a late Christmas gift and crushing the Giants 41-9, this meant that a win against Washington would be an automatic ticket to the playoffs.
What did Dallas do with this opportunity?
Well, they took full advantage, dismantled Washington 17-0, secured at least the second wild card position and are on their way to try and win the division with a victory over Philadelphia this upcoming Sunday (the game has been moved to 4:15 b.t.w.)
Things are looking up and the Cowboys are peaking at just the right time. Tony Romo has played some of his best football these past 5 games and completely dissolved the whole 'December' talk... his next goal is to dissolve the 'Big Game' talk by winning a playoff match-up (or 3.)
Regarding the game itself, Dallas was good... not great, but good. Washington is bad... just plain bad, and it showed. Dallas could have had more success on offense, especially a troubling trend that has started with Marion Barber not being able to pick up 1 or 2 yards, but besides that, Dallas was damn good. The defense was phenomenal and made the plays when they needed to. Washington never even got into the red zone.
This next game against Philly could possibly mean division title, home field advantage and a bye week (of course, Minnesota would have to lose outright as well as Arizona losing, or something like that...) Regardless, if Dallas wins they will at least win the division.
The cards have been laid out, now it's just up to the Cowboys to do what they've had trouble doing in the past, take advantage of the situation and win... if they continue their recent trend, it shouldn't be a problem, but I won't feel secure until they actually do. Go Cowboys!!!
P.S.
In other Cowboys (future) News... I just read the 2010 opponents for Dallas, and it's going to be Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville and Tennessee at home (plus either New Orleans, Atlanta or Carolina, depending on next week's games.)
The away games will be Green Bay (ugh) Minnesota, Houston and Indy (plus either Arizona or San Fransisco, again, depending on next week's games.)
I was going to post an early, early, early prediction but I think I'll wait until April when the full schedule and dates are released before I start playing guessing games.
What did Dallas do with this opportunity?
Well, they took full advantage, dismantled Washington 17-0, secured at least the second wild card position and are on their way to try and win the division with a victory over Philadelphia this upcoming Sunday (the game has been moved to 4:15 b.t.w.)
Things are looking up and the Cowboys are peaking at just the right time. Tony Romo has played some of his best football these past 5 games and completely dissolved the whole 'December' talk... his next goal is to dissolve the 'Big Game' talk by winning a playoff match-up (or 3.)
Regarding the game itself, Dallas was good... not great, but good. Washington is bad... just plain bad, and it showed. Dallas could have had more success on offense, especially a troubling trend that has started with Marion Barber not being able to pick up 1 or 2 yards, but besides that, Dallas was damn good. The defense was phenomenal and made the plays when they needed to. Washington never even got into the red zone.
This next game against Philly could possibly mean division title, home field advantage and a bye week (of course, Minnesota would have to lose outright as well as Arizona losing, or something like that...) Regardless, if Dallas wins they will at least win the division.
The cards have been laid out, now it's just up to the Cowboys to do what they've had trouble doing in the past, take advantage of the situation and win... if they continue their recent trend, it shouldn't be a problem, but I won't feel secure until they actually do. Go Cowboys!!!
P.S.
In other Cowboys (future) News... I just read the 2010 opponents for Dallas, and it's going to be Chicago, Detroit, Jacksonville and Tennessee at home (plus either New Orleans, Atlanta or Carolina, depending on next week's games.)
The away games will be Green Bay (ugh) Minnesota, Houston and Indy (plus either Arizona or San Fransisco, again, depending on next week's games.)
I was going to post an early, early, early prediction but I think I'll wait until April when the full schedule and dates are released before I start playing guessing games.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Week 15 Recap - Dallas (24) @ New Orleans (17)
The Dallas Cowboys no longer have to rely on other teams losing to make the playoffs, their destiny is squarely in their own hands after beating the undefeated New Orleans Saints on Saturday night and improving to a 9-5 record.
I don't think there was anyone who thought that the Cowboys would win this game, but with great plays by Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware and Miles Austin, Dallas may have righted their ship as they head toward the playoffs.
The final two games, against Washington and Philly, are going to be very important... if Dallas can manage a win in both games, they are in the playoffs with the Division Title, if they lose one of these games... they still could make the playoffs, but they would once again need some help from other teams losing.
There are really only 3 teams left that have an undecided fate regarding the playoffs... Dallas (9-5), Green Bay (9-5) and the Giants (8-6). New Orleans, Minnesota, Arizona and Philly have all secured a spot in the playoffs this year, and everyone else has been eliminated. It is going to be a heated battle to the finish.
Green Bay finishes their schedule against Seattle and then Arizona. I expect they will win against Seattle but Arizona could be a tough one... crossing my fingers they lose both!
The Giants play Carolina and then Minnesota... both of which should be a tough game... Go Carolina!! Go Minnesota!!
I'm definitely on the edge of my seat and quite anxious as I wait until next weekend to see what happens around the league.
IN OTHER COWBOYS NEWS
Nick Folk, who missed a 20-something yard field goal on Saturday night which would have put the Cowboys up by 2 scores with very little time remaining, has been given the axe. He will know today if any other team picks him up, but he's definitely not a Cowboy anymore.
In his spot, in what may turn out to be a really dumb move, the Cowboys have picked up Shawn Suisham who was recently cut from the Redskins for the same reason Folk was canned.
I'm not sure I understand this move. Suisham pretty much lost a game or two for Washington which led to him getting the boot, so why the hell did Dallas risk it by going after him? Him of all people. I know that David Buehler is not a very good field goal kicker, but at this point I would trust him more than Folk or Suisham. Prove me wrong Suisham!
I don't think there was anyone who thought that the Cowboys would win this game, but with great plays by Tony Romo, DeMarcus Ware and Miles Austin, Dallas may have righted their ship as they head toward the playoffs.
The final two games, against Washington and Philly, are going to be very important... if Dallas can manage a win in both games, they are in the playoffs with the Division Title, if they lose one of these games... they still could make the playoffs, but they would once again need some help from other teams losing.
There are really only 3 teams left that have an undecided fate regarding the playoffs... Dallas (9-5), Green Bay (9-5) and the Giants (8-6). New Orleans, Minnesota, Arizona and Philly have all secured a spot in the playoffs this year, and everyone else has been eliminated. It is going to be a heated battle to the finish.
Green Bay finishes their schedule against Seattle and then Arizona. I expect they will win against Seattle but Arizona could be a tough one... crossing my fingers they lose both!
The Giants play Carolina and then Minnesota... both of which should be a tough game... Go Carolina!! Go Minnesota!!
I'm definitely on the edge of my seat and quite anxious as I wait until next weekend to see what happens around the league.
IN OTHER COWBOYS NEWS
Nick Folk, who missed a 20-something yard field goal on Saturday night which would have put the Cowboys up by 2 scores with very little time remaining, has been given the axe. He will know today if any other team picks him up, but he's definitely not a Cowboy anymore.
In his spot, in what may turn out to be a really dumb move, the Cowboys have picked up Shawn Suisham who was recently cut from the Redskins for the same reason Folk was canned.
I'm not sure I understand this move. Suisham pretty much lost a game or two for Washington which led to him getting the boot, so why the hell did Dallas risk it by going after him? Him of all people. I know that David Buehler is not a very good field goal kicker, but at this point I would trust him more than Folk or Suisham. Prove me wrong Suisham!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Week 14 Recap : San Diego (20) at Dallas (17) and Various Thoughts
How do I see this all ending? Not well at all.
The December Slump marches right along and brings with it another disappointing loss... this time to the San Diego Chargers, in what was a very winnable game.
Once again, Dallas gave up when it mattered the most and haven't learned how to shut a team down. The defense played horribly, the offense couldn't get rolling and special teams was just 'OK' except of course, Nick Folk missing yet another 40-something yard field goal, (which makes his future very questionable.)
What this all means is that Dallas' playoff hopes have pretty much gone away. It would take a complete run of the table to guarantee a playoff spot, and against New Orleans, Washington and Philly... I don't see that happening, not the way these Cowboys have been playing.
It's remotely possible that with just two wins they could still make the playoffs, but that would require a few other teams to lose as well and it's never good if you have to rely on other teams losing to make the post-season. I have little to no faith that they could do well even if they were to make the playoffs.
I am already focusing on a long off-season and the changes for next year... which should at least include a new coach and kicker.
I never figured I would be this negative when there is still a chance, but I have seen no evidence that would lead me to believe that Dallas can win when it counts. I suppose the curse is true, be it Romo's fault or not, something just ain't right in December.
The December Slump marches right along and brings with it another disappointing loss... this time to the San Diego Chargers, in what was a very winnable game.
Once again, Dallas gave up when it mattered the most and haven't learned how to shut a team down. The defense played horribly, the offense couldn't get rolling and special teams was just 'OK' except of course, Nick Folk missing yet another 40-something yard field goal, (which makes his future very questionable.)
What this all means is that Dallas' playoff hopes have pretty much gone away. It would take a complete run of the table to guarantee a playoff spot, and against New Orleans, Washington and Philly... I don't see that happening, not the way these Cowboys have been playing.
It's remotely possible that with just two wins they could still make the playoffs, but that would require a few other teams to lose as well and it's never good if you have to rely on other teams losing to make the post-season. I have little to no faith that they could do well even if they were to make the playoffs.
I am already focusing on a long off-season and the changes for next year... which should at least include a new coach and kicker.
I never figured I would be this negative when there is still a chance, but I have seen no evidence that would lead me to believe that Dallas can win when it counts. I suppose the curse is true, be it Romo's fault or not, something just ain't right in December.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Week 13 Recap : Dallas (24) at NY Giants (31)
And let the Cowboy's 'December Slump' begin...
Tony Romo has been criticized for his bad play in December, and he was determined to silence his critics this game... in a way... he did prove himself... He actually had a great game, throwing for over 300 yards again and completing 41 for 55 passes with 3 touchdowns and zero interceptions... near perfect stats.
Unfortunately, the Cowboys' defense and the special teams were the disappointments this time and allowed the Giants to walk all over them. So this is not a December loss that can be blamed on Romo, but it is still a loss and regardless who is at fault, it doesn't feel good, especially now that the NFC East is fair game for everyone (except Washington, that is.) Dallas blew the lead they had in the first quarter and also blew the first place position they held in the NFC East.
The way I was figuring it is that Dallas had to win at least 3 of the last 5 to get into the playoffs, and now that they've lost one of the games I thought they could win, they have to go 3 out of 4, and how easy is that gonna be with San Diego, New Orleans and Philly on the schedule... plus Washington (don't wanna leave them out... they did almost beat New Orleans today.)
It has the feeling of another disappointing December, and any ounce of faith I had for a nice run in the final stretch was destroyed when the defense allowed a 70 plus yard touchdown pass to Brandon Jacobs... that is something that never should have happened. It's reminding me of last year's game against Baltimore... the nightmares are all coming back.
Tony Romo has been criticized for his bad play in December, and he was determined to silence his critics this game... in a way... he did prove himself... He actually had a great game, throwing for over 300 yards again and completing 41 for 55 passes with 3 touchdowns and zero interceptions... near perfect stats.
Unfortunately, the Cowboys' defense and the special teams were the disappointments this time and allowed the Giants to walk all over them. So this is not a December loss that can be blamed on Romo, but it is still a loss and regardless who is at fault, it doesn't feel good, especially now that the NFC East is fair game for everyone (except Washington, that is.) Dallas blew the lead they had in the first quarter and also blew the first place position they held in the NFC East.
The way I was figuring it is that Dallas had to win at least 3 of the last 5 to get into the playoffs, and now that they've lost one of the games I thought they could win, they have to go 3 out of 4, and how easy is that gonna be with San Diego, New Orleans and Philly on the schedule... plus Washington (don't wanna leave them out... they did almost beat New Orleans today.)
It has the feeling of another disappointing December, and any ounce of faith I had for a nice run in the final stretch was destroyed when the defense allowed a 70 plus yard touchdown pass to Brandon Jacobs... that is something that never should have happened. It's reminding me of last year's game against Baltimore... the nightmares are all coming back.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Where Have you Been Young Man!?!
My apologies for the lack of posts the past, umm...6 weeks or so, but cut me some slack, I've been busy getting married and going on a honeymoon and doing Thanksgiving and early Christmas stuff... so exccccuuuuse me.
Anyway... in my absence from posting, the Cowboys have gone through 5 games and have won 4 of them... not bad at all.
I am not going to go into depth about each game, just a small recap.
November 1 vs Seattle. Dallas won 38-17.
November 8 at Philly. Close game, but Dallas pulled ahead at the end and won 20-16.
November 15 at Green Bay. It was bound to happen after such a nice winning streak. Dallas went up to Green Bay and fell apart... losing 7 - 17.
November 22 vs Washington. Dallas looked shakey again, but thankfully Washington was even more shakey. Dallas won 7-6.
November 26 vs Oakland (Thanksgiving.) Dallas finally looked like a great football team and won very convincingly 24-7.
This Sunday will be a matchup in the meadowlands against the much hated, much division rivals the New York Giants.
The Giants have been struggling as of late, and this game may very well be a do or die game for them if they want any chance of making the playoffs. The Cowboys know this and will do whatever they can to knock them out of the race. It's going to be a tough game, as they always are against division foes.
In the past few years, December has been a rough time for Dallas, but there's hope that this December could finally change things around, make the playoffs and maybe win. 5 games left and my fingers are crossed.
Anyway... in my absence from posting, the Cowboys have gone through 5 games and have won 4 of them... not bad at all.
I am not going to go into depth about each game, just a small recap.
November 1 vs Seattle. Dallas won 38-17.
November 8 at Philly. Close game, but Dallas pulled ahead at the end and won 20-16.
November 15 at Green Bay. It was bound to happen after such a nice winning streak. Dallas went up to Green Bay and fell apart... losing 7 - 17.
November 22 vs Washington. Dallas looked shakey again, but thankfully Washington was even more shakey. Dallas won 7-6.
November 26 vs Oakland (Thanksgiving.) Dallas finally looked like a great football team and won very convincingly 24-7.
This Sunday will be a matchup in the meadowlands against the much hated, much division rivals the New York Giants.
The Giants have been struggling as of late, and this game may very well be a do or die game for them if they want any chance of making the playoffs. The Cowboys know this and will do whatever they can to knock them out of the race. It's going to be a tough game, as they always are against division foes.
In the past few years, December has been a rough time for Dallas, but there's hope that this December could finally change things around, make the playoffs and maybe win. 5 games left and my fingers are crossed.
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