Are We At The "Must Win" Stage?

[MichaelWinicki]

I would answer "yes".

We either beat the Skins OR I think we will have dug a hole for ourselves that we probably won't get out of.

It's funny but I think the Skins situation greatly "mirrors" ours. Whoever loses this game is going to be in a pile of dung.

This season had awfully high expectations... and either those expectations start to be met this coming Sunday or the loser misses the playoffs and faces a very interesting off-season.

[Hiero]

I definitely do not think its a must win. its a very very important game though.

[Doomsday101]

I would answer "yes".

We either beat the Skins OR I think we will have dug a hole for ourselves that we probably won't get out of.

It's funny but I think the Skins situation greatly "mirrors" ours. Whoever loses this game is going to be in a pile of dung.

This season had awfully high expectations... and either those expectations start to be met this coming Sunday or the loser misses the playoffs and faces a very interesting off-season.

I think any time you’re dealing with an inter-divisional game like this it is critical. Just like last season losing to the skins in week 2 cost Dallas big time. Losing to Jacksonville being an AFC team is not going to hurt Dallas losing to an NFC East team or NFC team has big consequences. I won't say this is a do or die game because it is not but it is a big game.

[superpunk]

I can't wait til week 4 for a win. I can't. It's must-win for us. All divisional games are.

[canters]

We don't have to win--the season is so long that we have some room here. BUT, we need to a least split with division teams to have a shot at the playoffs. Losing here would make winning in DC a must.

Plus, a loss would hurt morale badly I fear plus we would hear more of the Bledsoe must go stuff.

We will win but it will be close.

[SteveOS]

If we don't win, I MUST take a day off, so I don't have to hear it from all these deadskin fans. :(

[WoodysGirl]

I definitely do not think its a must win. its a very very important game though.I agree, simply because it's a division game.

The NFC East is not the only division that started off 1-3, but you can't afford to lose those head to head matchups.

Even if the Skins game is a loss, we could still go 2-2 in the first 4 games. Every game is winnable.

The concern from the Jags game is not that they lost, it's how they lost. It wasn't a complete arse whooping. It was the mistakes that were more bothersome than anything. The O looked out of sync and I'm still confused by the D.

[skinsngibbs4life]

I doubt that any team has a must win situation this early in the season. Although it is a very important game, it definatly isnt a make or break game

[MS17]

Followed with a bye week, a home game with a division rival, Id say this is a big, big game without a doubt. Washington's dealing with a short work week and travel, so this is the time to grab a solid win. No excuses.

[Doomsday101]

I agree, simply because it's a division game.

The NFC East is not the only division that started off 1-3, but you can't afford to lose those head to head matchups.

Even if the Skins game is a loss, we could still go 2-2 in the first 4 games. Every game is winnable.

The concern from the Jags game is not that they lost, it's how they lost. It wasn't a complete arse whooping. It was the mistakes that were more bothersome than anything. The O looked out of sync and I'm still confused by the D.

I think you can correct mistakes but you can't correct a lack of talent. I still think this team and this offense has good talent that can win games. Had we just been dominated I would be much more concerned

[MinnesotaCowboy]

We don't have to win--the season is so long that we have some room here. BUT, we need to a least split with division teams to have a shot at the playoffs. Losing here would make winning in DC a must.

Plus, a loss would hurt morale badly I fear plus we would hear more of the Bledsoe must go stuff.

We will win but it will be close.

:hammer:

[DLCassidy]

I have to say yes. You need to win your home division games and it's hard to come back from 0-2.

[InmanRoshi]

This week is the must win game, as will be the following week, and the week after that and the week after that.

Just like this week all of our players are overrated, busts and never has beens. Unless we win next week and all of that will change ... until we lose again, when all of our player will go back to being aforementioned overrated busts and never has beens.

[Doomsday101]

This week is the must win game, as will be the following week, and the week after that and the week after that.

Just like this week all of our players are overrated, busts and never has beens. Unless we win next week and all of that will change ... until we lose again, when all of our player will go back to being aforementioned overrated busts and never has beens.

I agree with what your getting at but because this is a game aginst the NFC East I think it holds more overall value than say Jacksonville. At the end of the year how you did in your own division goes a long way in determining if you make the playoffs or not.

[Crown Royal]

As they say, each game is a must win game.

But for a team with such high expectations, you have to show something now. If you go two games in a row with such a putrid performance, your players will begin to suffer the mental aspects of losses like that.

If we lose in a close, well fought game, then you can survive it. But another disaster....bad news.

[MichaelWinicki]

I agree with what your getting at but because this is a game aginst the NFC East I think it holds more overall value than say Jacksonville. At the end of the year how you did in your own division goes a long way in determining if you make the playoffs or not.


Exactly. You could make a very strong argument that our loss in week 2 last year set the tone for the season.

[Doomsday101]

Exactly. You could make a very strong argument that our loss in week 2 last year set the tone for the season.

If you go back and looking at the standing that game ended up knocking us out of the playoffs. Going into the last weekend of the season we had to hope for either a skins loss, car loss or Tampa loss. Each team won that day and the Cowboys ended up playing a meaningless game that night. Losing to an AFC team is not going to hurt you that bad but losing in your division can come back and haunt you later in the season

[DipChit]

Well for those that would rather see Romo sooner than later maybe they can view this as a "must win" for Bledsoe if not the whole team.

If he looks as shall we say "uncomfortable" as he did in he first game, maybe they can hope Bill will make a move having the Bye and then an easier opponent coming off of it to make the transition easier.

Then again maybe not since theres no shortage of evidence to suggest he'll be reluctant to make the move even if we're 5-9 at some point. ;)

[Boyzmamacita]

It's a division game, but just as important is the fact that it is a home game. We need to win at home until we show that we can perform better on the road than we did on Sunday. Remember last year's road games? They stunk it up in New York and in Washington. They played lackluster in Philly until some late game heroics. And the win at Carolina was big, but they were far from perfect that day. And don't forget about the fiasco in Seattle. On second thought let's forget about it. Anyway, my point is, home victories are at a premium.

[the_h0wey]

I would answer "yes".

We either beat the Skins OR I think we will have dug a hole for ourselves that we probably won't get out of.

It's funny but I think the Skins situation greatly "mirrors" ours. Whoever loses this game is going to be in a pile of dung.

This season had awfully high expectations... and either those expectations start to be met this coming Sunday or the loser misses the playoffs and faces a very interesting off-season.

no it turns out its only week 2 so a lot of season still left... dont jump guys dont jump

[Kangaroo]

I would answer "yes".

We either beat the Skins OR I think we will have dug a hole for ourselves that we probably won't get out of.

It's funny but I think the Skins situation greatly "mirrors" ours. Whoever loses this game is going to be in a pile of dung.

This season had awfully high expectations... and either those expectations start to be met this coming Sunday or the loser misses the playoffs and faces a very interesting off-season.
The question is how many teams make the playoffs that start 0-2 while this is what I found below

Out of the 121 teams that have started 0-2 since the playoffs expanded to their current format in 1990, only 17 have reached the postseason.

So the odds are that if we start 0-2 we only have a 14% chance of making the playoffs.

Two teams that I remember doing that are Dallas (all the way to SB) but the 0-2 was caused by Emmitt not being under contract. So we gained a sure fire HOF RB in his prime back that changes a team dynamic.

Green 1992 started 0-2 and guess what they pulled their starting QB and replaced him with a young Bret Favre to make the playoffs.

So if this team starts 0-2 then the odds of the Cowboys making the playoffs are not good. In fact the chances are that if we go 0-2 and do not make a change at the QB poistion then I say we do not make the playoffs.

So yes it is a must win game

PS: This was data from 2005 so it do not include last years season (do not know how last year changed the numbers I am sure it was still par for the course)

[lspain1]

Yes

Home game
Division Rival
Following a Road Loss
More tough road games ahead

Must Win

[gbrittain]

The question is how many teams make the playoffs that start 0-2 while this is what I found below

Out of the 121 teams that have started 0-2 since the playoffs expanded to their current format in 1990, only 17 have reached the postseason.

So the odds are that if we start 0-2 we only have a 14% chance of making the playoffs.

Two teams that I remember doing that are Dallas (all the way to SB) but the 0-2 was caused by Emmitt not being under contract. So we gained a sure fire HOF RB in his prime back that changes a team dynamic.

Green 1992 started 0-2 and guess what they pulled their starting QB and replaced him with a young Bret Favre to make the playoffs.

So if this team starts 0-2 then the odds of the Cowboys making the playoffs are not good. In fact the chances are that if we go 0-2 and do not make a change at the QB poistion then I say we do not make the playoffs.

So yes it is a must win game

Good research by the way. Here is what many people are missing when they dismiss games like the Jacksonville game and even the Washington game if Dallas were to lose it and that is the fact that good teams do not start 0-2.

Sure from a "there are 14 games left" way, there is plenty of time to get on a roll and easily overcome an 0-2 defecit.

The problem is good teams do not start out 0-2. They just do not as evidenced by your research.

[dbair1967]

It's probably alot more important game for us than them...we lost to them twice last yr in embarassing fashion, and the week two loss at home clearly set a negative tone for the entire year...if we lose and Bledsoe plays poorly again we'll not only be 0-2 and in last place, but we'll probably have an out of control QB controversy on our hands

we really need to win this week and show Sunday's loss was more of a fluke...if we lose and Bledsoe struggles again, the defense stinks again and we cant run the ball with any consistency it might be a real hint at the Titanic going down for us...

David

[InmanRoshi]

Good research by the way. Here is what many people are missing when they dismiss games like the Jacksonville game and even the Washington game if Dallas were to lose it and that is the fact that good teams do not start 0-2.

Sure from a "there are 14 games left" way, there is plenty of time to get on a roll and easily overcome an 0-2 defecit.

The problem is good teams do not start out 0-2. They just do not as evidenced by your research.


I agree, and that would be my problem more than the 0-2 start itself. I respect the numbers of how few teams that start out 0-2 make the playoffs, but correalation does not equal causation. Did those 0-2 teams miss the playoffs because they dug themselves a hole they couldn't get out of or did they not make the playoffs because they were the Arizona Cardinals and they weren't going to the playoffs to begin with. What is more important to me is division standings. If Dallas is more than 2 games back in the division by Thanksgiving, then we get into must win territory.

[Portland Fanatic]

From a standings point of view it's not a must win, BUT from and emotional point if view it is absolutely a must win! No doubt about it. The expectations are extremely high and to start out 0-2 puts us in a hole...emotionally more then anything else. When this team gets tight, then we are even more conservative then normal...that won't win games.

[Kangaroo]

Here is some more irony for you on starting 0-2

2 teams have started 0-2 and won the Super Bowl

1993 Cowboys: Well we know that story no Emmitt

2001 Patriots: Guess what happen here Bledosoe gets injured and um some takes over

[Cbz40]

If we do not beat our division rivals at home you are digging yourself hole that is going to be difficult to dig out of.

As far as I am concerned a home game in the division is a must win.

[Kangaroo]

Ok this took a lot of searching I was putting together found someones else has a list yay with more info. So here is the complete list of 17 teams that started 0-2 since the playoff format was expanded to it's current form in 1990. (That is why 1990 is the cut off)

Following are the 0-2 teams since 1990 to qualify for the playoffs:

1990
Houston Oilers (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs
Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs
New Orleans Saints (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs

1991
Atlanta Falcons (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs

1992
San Diego Chargers (0-4) Divisional Playoffs

1993
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs
Dallas Cowboys (0-2) Won Super Bowl XXVIII

1994
New England Patriots (0-2) Wild Card Playoffs

1995
Detroit Lions (0-3) Wild Card Playoffs

1996
New England Patriots (0-2) Lost Super Bowl XXXI

1998
Arizona Cardinals (0-2) Divisional Playoffs
Buffalo Bills (0-3) Wild Card Playoffs
New York Jets (0-2) Championship Game

2001
New England Patriots (0-2) Won Super Bowl XXXVI

2002
Atlanta Falcons (0-2) Divisional Playoffs
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2) Divisional Playoffs

2003
Philadelphia Eagles (0-2) Championship Game


There you have it

[NIBGoldenchild]

This game is a must-win in terms of how team morale may be affected by starting out 0-2. Yet not a must win in the sense that neither team could miss the playoffs because of it.

The Skins have a new offense their getting adjusted to, key players who need to get healthy. The Cowboys have new, key players who still need to adjust to the system, an efficient kicker who hasn't played yet.

Regardless of the outcome of this game sunday night, both teams could look light years better than they've already shown in a month's time.

[Boy's fan in Giant land]

Definitely a must win. In our house against a hated division rival, with so many road games comming up, we not only need to win, we need to win convincingly. It's going to be much more difficult to beat them later in the season playing away. I don't even want to think about the affect on the team psyche another loss due to a poor showing will have with two weeks off to dwell on it. Even a close loss will be harmful enough after the high expectations by all (players) prior to the seasons start.

If there was ever a time to remove the govenor from the Cowboys offensive & defensive engines, this is it. Hear me Bill?

[Portland Fanatic]

If there was ever a time to remove the govenor from the Cowboys offensive & defensive engines, this is it. Hear me Bill?

:bow: :bow: :bow:

[TruBlueCowboy]

I seem to remember some stats about only a handful of NFL teams in history have ever gone to the Super Bowl after an 0-2 start. I only remember it because when the Boys did it in '93 it was supposed to be a rare achievement. I guess New England when they benched Bledsoe was another one. Am I off on this? 0-2 teams almost rarely make it to the Super Bowl, right?

[TruBlueCowboy]

Here is some more irony for you on starting 0-2

2 teams have started 0-2 and won the Super Bowl

1993 Cowboys: Well we know that story no Emmitt

2001 Patriots: Guess what happen here Bledosoe gets injured and um some takes over




Nevermind. Someone beat me to it. So those are the only 2 teams?

[DragonCowboy]

ahdahdashfashfdasf

Redskins fans in Texas annoy me so much! This insane kid at my school acts like he doesn't even care about the Redskins or football whenever they lose, and when they win, he rubs it in my face.

They beat the SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS, and he rubbed it in my face. Just imagine what it was like after Week 2. Dallas @ Washington was the worst. The Dallas @ Washington game was the worst. I ended up getting a lot of heat from that game.

This kid is a grade A ***, so maybe I shouldn't assume all Redskins fans to be that way.

BTW, I hate bandwagoners.

Oh yeah, this is a must win game, for my sake.

[ghst187]

its as close to a must-win game for us as anyone could have in game 2 of the season...because
1) Its a division game
2) Its at home

you can't lose tough division games at home...

[The30YardSlant]

Yes

If it wasnt a divisional game, then no, but we cant afford to start 0-2 with a loss to Washington

[ravidubey]

YES! It's a home divisional game. I don't buy into the hype of being "two games behind"-- such things mean nothing until the final week of the season when all 16 games can be tallied up.

But if you are going to have any chance at all in this division you have to win at home.

[DallasDomination]

Every game is a must win. If your a fan and you think this week or the last were not must wins then you have problems.

Every Single GAme is a must WIn!...Enough said. Give it all or go home.

[MichaelWinicki]

I think whoever starts out 0-2 is going to miss the playoffs in the NFC East.

[Smith22]

If 0-2 gets you in trouble, Gmen may be in BAD SHAPE:

@Iggles
@Seahwaks (with Branch)
BYE
Washington
@Falcons
@Dallas

That is an AWFUL stretch of road games right there, with a tough division opponent at home, and the skins will be a little more in sync by then on offense (at least you would think so).

[Smith22]

If we lose this game, IMO it means we have to sweep either the Giants or Iggles to make up for it, or somehow surprise the colts in big D. Either way, this game is pretty important. On the other hand, if we win this game, we get a BYE week to rest up, then beat up on the Titans (2-1) and prepare for a rough road game versus the Iggles, followed by a softy against the texans back at home. 3-2 after that stretch is OK, 4-1 is GREAT, 2-3 is not looking so good, then the adventure begins.......

[noshame]

I think the Skins are the worst of our division rivals, as in easiest to beat. If we lose this week, at home, with the skins coming off a tough week, we will have a long season. Parcells will be gone.:o:

[tunahelper]

I definitely do not think its a must win. its a very very important game though.

Ditto!

[MichaelWinicki]

I think the Skins are the worst of our division rivals, as in easiest to beat. If we lose this week, at home, with the skins coming off a tough week, we will have a long season. Parcells will be gone.:o:


As will Bledsoe.

[dbair1967]

As will Bledsoe.

alot of goners if this season tanks...and to me anything less than 10-6 and at least a playoff win or two constitutes a failed season

David

[speedmr]

Its critical for every NFC East team to win their division games at home. It's incredibly tough to win on the road playing intradivision. I'm sure if somebody does the stats we'll find out that any NFC East team that didn't at least split with the other 3 teams did not make the playoffs.

Must win? You bet.

[Bob Sacamano]

in a word...

hell, mother****ing no

[Bob Sacamano]

btw, the Giants had no problem winning the division after losing to us in wk. 8 last year, and that's the only reason I would conceive losing to the skins hurting us down the line, cuz it's a divisional game, that goes in deciding who will go to the playoffs, esp. in this division

sure losing to the Redskins, and being down 0-2 sucks, but it's not the end of the world