If the Dallas Cowboys do not defeat the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, then they will not make the playoffs. At least that’s what ESPN’s Michael Smith implies as he analyzes the Cowboys December schedule.
It is a strong statement but I have to agree with Smith on this one. Other than the fact that he is my favorite ESPN analyst, Smith puts forth undeniable logic. If the Cowboys lose on Sunday then that December question will continue to loom and it will become more than a myth- it will become prophetic stigma. It seems almost unfair that the NFL would stick the ‘Boys with such a daunting schedule in the last month knowing their struggles, but Roger Goodell can’t save them now. After losing to the Giants, the Cowboys have put themselves in this mess and they’re going to have to fight their way out. If they lose this game on Sunday, then they’re going to have to hit the panic button, the panic switch, and the panic remote control.
This game is eerily similar to a December game last season in which the Ravens came to town and handed the Cowboys a demoralizing loss in their final game in Texas Stadium. The Cowboys had just come off a victory over (who else?) the Giants, and were looking to build some momentum as the playoffs approached. Despite outplaying the Ravens for the majority of the game, the Cowboys defense collapsed and allowed the Ravens to run the ball right down their throat for two long touchdowns (The announcers' reactions are priceless). This game is similar in that another elite opponent is coming to Dallas late in the season to expose the Cowboys as the pretenders that many think they are. This game is different in that the Cowboys actually lost to the Giants this time (yippie), and are actually leading the division right now. So what do the Cowboys need to do to avoid a similar result?
- Trust the cornerbacks
Although the Dallas secondary has been much maligned at various points this season, the WR/CB match-up is one that favors the Cowboys. Mike Jenkins is playing lights out and Terrance Newman should match up better with the Chargers receivers. San Diego’s wide outs are big and fast, but not super quick like the Giants wide outs (who they cannot stop). Newman and Jenkins should be able to control them while the other guys pressure Rivers and double Gates. If the Cowboys allow Antonio Gates to have a big game then they can kiss the playoffs goodbye.
- Get back the special teams spark
Special teams hurt the Cowboys last game and now they have to out-duel the San Diego special teams featuring Darren Sproles. The Cowboys need to eliminate the big play on special teams and make a big play of their own. Felix Jones is due for a big return and maybe even Patrick Crayton can work some of that early season magic. And let’s not forget that the Cowboys have a new/old holder in the famous/infamous Tony Romo. Although Romo’s last hold will forever live in infamy, it should be a good move to put him in place of Mat McBriar who was struggling as a holder. That does not exonerate Nick Folk in any way, but it is at least worth a try.
- Harrass Rivers
The Cowboys only managed one sack against the Giants, and that number will have to increase this week. San Diego’s offensive line has shown some leaks this season, but Rivers has stood strong in the pocket and delivered pin point passes. He is playing as well as any quarterback in the game right now and the Cowboys are not going to have a chance unless they have to make Rivers feel the pressure.
- Eliminate mistakes
A couple of costly mistakes cost the Cowboys against the Giants and they cannot afford a similar performance in this game. Missed tackles, missed field-goals, missed touchdowns (Romo to Williams) will not get the job done. Untimely fumbles won’t do the Cowboys any good either. Marion Barber’s ball security (or lack thereof) got the Giants back into the game last week and almost cost the Cowboys a victory against the Redskins a few weeks before that. Holding on to the ball is of the utmost importance in this game
- Finish!
The biggest thing the Cowboys need to do in this game and for the rest of the season is finish the job. This game should be tight in the 4th quarter and the team that executes the best down the stretch will come out with a victory. This entire season is dependent on how the Cowboys finish so that will need to be their focus. Hang tough early and then finish strong.
If the Cowboys are able to do these things they should be able to get that monstrous December monkey off their back and start making their way toward the playoffs. The ‘Boys absolutely need this W for their record, and for their psyche. They have to make the move now. If they win on Sunday, going 4-0 down the stretch is certainly not out of the question. But if they lose on Sunday, 0-4 is also a possibility. I know I say this every week, but even after a full 12 games we are not sure who this team is. Contrary to what I’ve been saying every week, this game will not determine whether the Cowboys are a contender or a pretender but it will go a long ass way to telling us something…
Tell me something good Nation! Tell me something good.
