It’s win or go home for Cowboys

The Cowboys control their own destiny for making the playoffs. After all the ups and downs of the season Dallas now has the chance to be playing football in January. All they need to do is get a win against the division rival Eagles in Philadelphia and they’re in. But the task of defeating the Eagles in their home won’t be easy, and it’s possible that Philadelphia may be playing for a spot themselves, which would make the game even more hotly contested.

Of course the Cowboys could have clinched a spot already last week against the Ravens but fell short in the final game played in Texas Stadium. A big reason why they lost was the break downs in the defense near the end of the game. Another reason was the play of Tony Romo who played poorly throughout the game. No one will be under more pressure to perform than Romo on Sunday as the stigma of “choke artist” hovers over him. He has faced harsh criticism this season for not coming through in the big games. But during the week Romo expressed confidence in himself and his team, saying that he believes they will win and that once they’re in the playoffs they’ll have as good a chance as any one to go all the way.

Standing in Romo and the Cowboys way will be a very tough Eagles defense, one of the best in the league. They are more than capable of getting pressure on the quarterback and are exceptional run stoppers, which could pose the greater problem for Dallas. Starting half back Marion Barber is still nursing a dislocated toe and is listed as questionable for Sunday, but fortunately for the Cowboys they have Tashard Choice who has been playing well in recent weeks. Dallas will need to get their running game going to set up the pass and protect Romo, who may still be ailing from a back injury he suffered two weeks ago against the Giants.

For the Cowboys defense the focus will be on Brian Westbrook. McNabb has been coming on strong over the course of the previous month, but Westbrook is the biggest play maker on the Eagles and he has burned the Cowboys in the past. He is a threat in both the running and passing game.

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Prior to the Ravens game the Cowboys were playing some of the best defense in the league, but things unraveled a bit last week. They had been able to keep the game close for the most part, but in the end the defense experienced a total meltdown, allowing back to back touchdown runs over 70 yards each. It took them out of the game and prevented their offense from having the chance to complete a come from behind win. They’ll need to get back to where they were before the loss to Baltimore with their greatest strength coming from their pass rush. The Cowboys lead the NFL in sacks and Demarcus Ware still has a shot at breaking Michael Strahan’s single season record for sack total. He will need three more sacks to surpass Strahan.

Individual accolades certainly won’t be on the minds of the Cowboys this weekend. The goal has always been to make the playoffs and the opportunity is there for the taking. The Eagles on the other hand need to win and get help by having the Buccaneers and either the Vikings or Bears to lose. By the time the game starts with the Cowboys they may have already been eliminated as the Buccs, Vikings, and Bears all play the early games. It might be a good thing for the Cowboys if that ends up being the scenario with the idea being that the Eagles will have nothing to play for. Then again it might not be such a good thing because the Eagles could end up playing more relaxed. But regardless of what the Eagles situation will be by game time, the Cowboys will have the opportunity to get into the post season and then make a run at the Superbowl. As Romo put it, “We’ll have as good a chance as the Tennessee Titans”. On Sunday everyone will be watching to see if Romo can put his money where his mouth is.

By Steven Mondelli
ProFootball-fans.com Dallas Cowboys Correspondent