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BucsTypically, we would have been drowned under the criticism of them losing two straight and blowing a 12-point fourth-quarter lead against the New York Giants, with just about everything on the line.
Instead, we found ourselves talking about the Dallas Mavericks.
Critically, the Dallas Cowboys have dodged a bullet. All could be swept under the rug for a week against Tampa Bay in a Saturday night affair, which is probably the greatest thing ever. I honestly don't mind the games being played any night of the week. A game Thursday, a game Saturday, games all day Sunday and then Monday night.
If nothing else, I like the Thursday and Saturday games more than the Monday night game. It'd almost be nice to have the NFL week done by midnight Sunday.
Five things:
Must Win
My theory is that "must win" games should not be determined on consequences and timing, but by the opponent. In most sports, if a team beats the worse teams 80-90 percent of the time, there's little reason to think that they wouldn't reach the post-season. The Bucs are pretty ordinary and I think it's safe to say that the Cowboys are the better team. Will they play like it? That's the eternal question, isn't it? Looking back at the 2011-12 season, we will circle the Arizona and Philadelphia games and possibly this one if it's not pulled out.
Center
Phil Costa, I think, is not going to play and that mean a big ol' snootful of Kevin "Killer" Kowalski. I've never seen a football team with as much center drama as the Cowboys of the past decade. Remember, Andre Gurode was prone to early snaps, late snaps, false starts and all kinds of shenanigans. The rollercoaster ride this season, sans Gurode, has been no different if not a bit worse because Gurode was the superior blocker. To a certain point, the Cowboys coaches might be pleased to see Costa sit on the sideline for a week.
Under Pressure
In this blogger's humble opinion, the singular most disappointing aspect of the Cowboys' season is the relative lack of pressure from the defense at the line of scrimmage. I don't think it's a wild opinion to think the Cowboys' front eight have been handled at the line the last four games. Generally, during the season, they've been mild factors, at best, from game to game. I know that DeMarcus Ware has 15 sacks, but how many of them have been important sacks. Used to, when the team was driving for a tying or game-winning score, Ware would always pop up to make a huge sack to kill the momentum of a drive. That hasn't been the case this season. It's a huge reason these teams (Giants, Lions, Jets) have been able to mount these fourth-quarter drives. It's worth noting that the Bucs have allowed 24 sacks, some of the fewest in the NFC.
Turnovers
If this is a "must win" in that the Cowboys should win, then the Cowboys should win the turnover battle. The Cowboys are among the best (+5) and the Bucs (-10) among the worst in the NFC.
Tony Romo
Fun fact: Were we aware that Tony Romo is on pace for about 4,500 yards, 65 percent completions, 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Some numbers could set franchise records and others could set personal marks. In short, we could be watching a historically great season for a quarterback. All the while having a decent running game for most of the season.
Prediction
Dallas Cowboys 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19
If the Cowboys lose this, with Philly and New York looming, this city will explode. People could get fired. Seriously.
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