Friday, December 22, 2006

Cowboys Mailbag: Dallas will come out of tough NFC East well prepared for playoffs

Tom Orsborn
Express-News Staff Writer

Bill Parcells thinks his team is well prepared for the playoffs because it's already been through the ringer in the NFC East.

Although league observers are taking turns bashing the NFC, Parcells says the winner of the East should hold its head high.

"I think all of the teams in our division, Washington included, can compete with any team in this league," Parcells said. "When Washington goes out on the field, I don't say, 'Oh, they are playing Washington,' and, 'That's a break for somebody.'

"They have a very competitive team. The Giants are competitive. The Eagles are competitive. I think everyone in this division is competitive. I don't feel that way with every division."

No argument here. The gauntlet the Cowboys had to run through in the East to reach the playoffs is one of the reasons I think they have an excellent shot at winning it all.

Dallas is battle-tested after playing tough, playoff-style games against the Eagles, Redskins and Giants this season and will come out of their Christmas Day game with the Eagles – win or lose – with even more fortitude.