YOU HAVE ONE JOB

BY MARK HALPERN

    If you had asked me three weeks ago, could Dallas win the NFC East? I answered, “Unless the Eagles falter, they will go in as the fifth seed.” Sometimes, things go your way, and Cowboy fans might get an extra present for the new year, which is a chance to win the Division and have a home playoff game.

   A lot of pieces had to fall into place for this to happen, and because the Philadelphia Eagles have collapsed over the second half of the season to make this possible. 

   Dallas will be facing a Commander team that has nothing to lose by going all out against one of their biggest rivals of all time. The Commanders could damper the Cowboys’ ambitions of winning the Division. In this game, we will see no players resting on either side. Dak will be under the microscope of every analyst in the sport. Can he take this team back to stardom and to the Super Bowl? Prescott has played at the same level since his first snap in week 1. The Cowboys must play at the top of their game to be taken seriously in the playoffs. The offense needs to play their game and not play safe as, yet again, that term “Trap Game” comes into play, but I think the boys are ready. The Cowboys need to see Pollard have a solid game running the ball, and I would like to see Gallup featured a little to get him in playoff mode, as he has had a rough season. The biggest concern on the offense side is the injuries to the offensive line. Tyron Smith, Zach Martin, and Tyler Smith have been nursing injuries shown over the last three games. Tyler Smith has torn the Plantier Facia in his foot but has been able to practice on a limited basis. The Cowboys got some insurance with the resignation of La’el Collins, who was added to the practice squad and, pending physical, could be ready for this game and the Playoffs.

   The Defense has a game here to round into form, as they need to prepare for whoever will be in the first round. The Defense needs to ensure stopping the run, as they have been very vulnerable over the past few weeks. The Secondary is one of the best in football, and with the Commanders needing a reliable name behind center right now, turnovers could be plenty this Sunday.

   Win, and the Cowboys win the NFC East, finish at the #2 seed, and will host the Wild Card round; lose, and they could fall to 5th and would face the winner of the NFC South at their home stadium. With Jimmy’s induction into the Ring of Honor, this Cowboys team has a new fire lit under them, and it’s time for America’s TEAM to return to form.