The Dallas Cowboys are fortunate to be where they are
The feeling around the Dallas Cowboys going into the playoffs is clearly frustration. Losing on the final week of the regular season to a rival is one thing. It's another when the reason for doing so was to have a potential shot at the No. 1 seed, as well as gain confidence and avoid losing […]
The feeling around the Dallas Cowboys going into the playoffs is clearly frustration. Losing on the final week of the regular season to a rival is one thing. It's another when the reason for doing so was to have a potential shot at the No. 1 seed, as well as gain confidence and avoid losing momentum.
Instead, doing the exact opposite. All phases of the game looked off, to put it kindly. The offense couldn't move the ball, the defense had their backs to the endzone due to special teams mistakes and bad play calling all around, and the special teams had some kind of issue from the punter, kicker and returner.
In reality, when it was clear the New York Giants were not going to play their full starters, conventional wisdom would say they were fine letting this game go. Giving Philadelphia the division and No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Making the final Cowboys game pointless.
Despite all of this, they are actually lucky things have turned out as they are.
Starting with their opponent, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers season has taken a serious turn. More obvious than Dallas.
Going 3-4 in their final seven games since the bye week with an average point differential of -6.8, including two double-digit losses.
Despite Tampa Bay having beaten the Cowboys earlier this season, both of these teams are different. While Dallas might not be playing well as of late, the Bucc's are the team showing more susceptibility.
It also sets up the Dallas Cowboys for a potentially favorable round two.
With the other wild card games also being rematches, New York Giants @ Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers. Both wild cards having nearly won on the road in their initial meetings.
If the Cowboys do what they are favored to do, just one of these teams can pull the upset. Setting up a more favorable road game.
Even if Dallas is the only wild card to win, they know they can beat Philadelphia. Home or away. Having won at home and dropping a close game on the road, without QB Dak Prescott.
It's understandable the foul feelings towards and around the organization right now. But this team is lucky.
Playing a hurting Tampa team, even though lead by Tom Brady, that hasn't looked themselves for the majority of the season. As well as a potentially favorable opponent in round two.
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills of USA TODAY Sports
