Cowboys' Schedule

[Verdict]

Is it just me, or does it seem like the schedule makers hate the Cowboys. Last year, if memory serves me, we drew the Vikings first up. They were probably a consensus top 5 team. This year we draw San Diego, on the road, who are also considered by many a top 5 team.

Regardless, I think we go to San Diego as underdogs and win one early on the road. With this momentum, we could make a big run early. We could be 4-0 going into the Philly game at home. Oakland in week 4 doesn't look near as scary, even with Randy Moss since we have some quality and depth at corner. The up and coming pass rush we seem to be getting should also negate Moss. This season is going to be fun.

I was pretty well roasted about my 13-3 prediction on another thread, but keep in mind, Parcell's Jets team that went to the AFC Championship was not any better than this team, talent wise. The NFC has been weak. It will get stronger each year, but I think the NFC overall, is a year away from being the dominant conference once again.

[EGG]

Is it just me, or does it seem like the schedule makers hate the Cowboys. Last year, if memory serves me, we drew the Vikings first up. They were probably a consensus top 5 team. This year we draw San Diego, on the road, who are also considered by many a top 5 team.

Regardless, I think we go to San Diego as underdogs and win one early on the road. With this momentum, we could make a big run early. We could be 4-0 going into the Philly game at home. Oakland in week 4 doesn't look near as scary, even with Randy Moss since we have some quality and depth at corner. The up and coming pass rush we seem to be getting should also negate Moss. This season is going to be fun.

I was pretty well roasted about my 13-3 prediction on another thread, but keep in mind, Parcell's Jets team that went to the AFC Championship was not any better than this team, talent wise. The NFC has been weak. It will get stronger each year, but I think the NFC overall, is a year away from being the dominant conference once again.


I'm guessing it's partly due to the fact that Dallas is a very high profile football team and it's opening weekend... of course the NFL wants high TV ratings and they pair the 'Boys up against a team that will make football fans wanna watch

[Jarv]

I look at the amount of travel we do compared to the Eagles...East coast/west coast...

But we do play in the NFC east and Dallas is far from there...Not that I would want us in any other division.

[bula]

It's all about winning that first game, the cohesion of the OL, Cortez making almost 100% of his kicks and injuries. If they win in SD, they will have a huge confidence boost. The next 3 games are very winnable, but the kicker will be key to at least 2 of these wins. These games will be close and low scoring. How many years have we seen teams come off bad seasons but get off to a hot start due to good breaks and a weak starting schedule?

Why not Dallas? If they can get to 3-1 or 4-0 going into a home game against Philly, the team and the city will be NUTS!!

[Canadian BoyzFan]

3-1 is a must or we will be in trouble.

[Fletch]

3-1 is a must or we will be in trouble.

I wouldn't say it is a must being that we are a fairly young team on defense. But it sure would be nice and can only help. 3-1 sure looks better than 2-2, and will get the Cowboys a lot of press going into the Eagles game at Texas Stadium.

[Canadian BoyzFan]

3-1 gets the young players believing we can win. It gives us a confidence boost going into the Eagles matchup. IMO.....Leaving Week 5 with a 2-3 record does not bode well for the playoffs. We would have challenging games remaining against:
Arizona
Philly again
Detroit
Denver
KC
Carolina
St Louis

[MS17]

I think experience teaches us that EVERY week is a dogfight, home, away, whatever. In this era of the NFL, no gimmes or automatic Ws any longer. But this is one of the oddest travel schedules the schedule makers have turned out in many years.

[Fletch]

You know, I hear a lot of people say how easy our schedule looks. I beg to differ. I actually think it could be more challenging than last year's schedule. 10-6 will be a good year for this year's Cowboys.

[TheSkaven]

It actually worked out quite well for us with Gates out for their first game. Brees is a very average QB and Gates is the only real threat at receiver. The game plan is going to be contain LT and run the ball, boys win 17-13.

The schedule isn't that bad - we just happen to be playing the NFC and AFC West this year, which means lots of west coast games.

[aceware94]

I agree w/ Skaven, I think we'll take San Diego as long as we don't have a breakdown at corner, especially w/ Gates out. There will be so much emphasis on stopping LT. They may get us w/ some play action stuff and keep an eye out for a flea flicker. Roy bites on a lot and Keith Davis if he's the starter has lil' experience. I'm thinking 20-17 win.

[Galian Beast]

yea, i think we got really lucky to get the chargers with gates not playing. When (not if) we beat them people will take a closer look at us, despite the fact that gates wasn't playing.

[Novacek84]

Don't worry about the schedule. What you see on paper in August rarely equals what you actually get when the games come up on the schedule. You cannot predict accurately due to things like weather, injuries, suspensions, etc. Look at game 1- at SD. Before the Gates situation, this looked like a much tougher assignment than it does now. He's their 2nd best player- much easier assignment than when we saw this in April.