Need-To-Win Game Against 'Skins
I’m not an advocate of the “must-win” game. Probably because that phrase gets used entirely too much.
Derek Eagleton, Nick Eatman and I discussed the “must-win” theory after the Cowboys’ loss to Jacksonville, knowing full well that term might get tossed around this week at the Ranch. Simply put, “must-win” means you win or go home. This is Week 2, not the Divisional Round.
That said, this game Sunday is big. Not “must-win” big, but big.
The Cowboys simply can’t afford to start 0-2 with what lies ahead past Sunday. They’ve got a bye week, then two straight road games against Tennessee and Philadelphia. I’ll mark them down for a victory over the Titans, but can anybody predict what’s going to happen in Philly? That’s always a crapshoot, but with T.O. sure to get some Brotherly Shove from the Philly faithful, anything can happen in what should be an emotionally-charged match-up.
After that, Dallas has two home games against Houston and the NY Giants – let the Texans jokes begin, but I think both of those games could be tough – followed by three straight on the road (Carolina, Washington and Arizona).
That adds up to five of the next eight on the road. Fairly brutal.
Still, I think the Cowboys at their best are better than at least five of their next seven opponents, and I can’t wait to see how they fare against the Giants and Panthers. All three are still NFC contenders despite what happened in Week One.
So, must-win against the Skins? No. Need-to-win? Definitely.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to offer a cheap plug: Catch The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Swimsuit Special this Thursday night (7:30 p.m. CDT) on the NFL Network. Lots of people worked their tails off to put the hour-long special together, including the 22 lovely veterans on the squad. Really, what would keep you away?
-Rob Phillips
Published Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:23 PM by rphillips
Derek Eagleton, Nick Eatman and I discussed the “must-win” theory after the Cowboys’ loss to Jacksonville, knowing full well that term might get tossed around this week at the Ranch. Simply put, “must-win” means you win or go home. This is Week 2, not the Divisional Round.
That said, this game Sunday is big. Not “must-win” big, but big.
The Cowboys simply can’t afford to start 0-2 with what lies ahead past Sunday. They’ve got a bye week, then two straight road games against Tennessee and Philadelphia. I’ll mark them down for a victory over the Titans, but can anybody predict what’s going to happen in Philly? That’s always a crapshoot, but with T.O. sure to get some Brotherly Shove from the Philly faithful, anything can happen in what should be an emotionally-charged match-up.
After that, Dallas has two home games against Houston and the NY Giants – let the Texans jokes begin, but I think both of those games could be tough – followed by three straight on the road (Carolina, Washington and Arizona).
That adds up to five of the next eight on the road. Fairly brutal.
Still, I think the Cowboys at their best are better than at least five of their next seven opponents, and I can’t wait to see how they fare against the Giants and Panthers. All three are still NFC contenders despite what happened in Week One.
So, must-win against the Skins? No. Need-to-win? Definitely.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to offer a cheap plug: Catch The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Swimsuit Special this Thursday night (7:30 p.m. CDT) on the NFL Network. Lots of people worked their tails off to put the hour-long special together, including the 22 lovely veterans on the squad. Really, what would keep you away?
-Rob Phillips
Published Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:23 PM by rphillips
posted by The Gryphon at 6:42 PM
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