Fox: Cowboys to be tested by Giants' front four

[CCBoy]

Cowboys to be tested by Giants' front four
by John Lynch


http://www.foxsportssouthwest.com/12...58&feedID=4680



The mind is a funny thing. Studies show that our brain often fools us, as it many times perceives things different than reality.

December is reality in the NFL.

And while it might appear that nobody wants to win the NFC East, I can assure you they do, which brings me to this week's showdown — and my assignment — between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys. Both teams are sick about last week's losses — the Cowboys to the Cardinals and the Giants to the Packers.

Mind games. That's where, as an NFL player, you have to learn to forget and move on. This time of year, it comes down to mental toughness because everybody is physically and mentally exhausted. Your body might be telling you one thing, but that's where your mind has to fight through the body's natural instincts that are telling you something is too hard. The players — and teams — that can overcome that are the ones that go on to great success.

When I played for the Broncos, coach Mike Shanahan actually did a great thing. He would shorten practice and send us home early because he trusted us. I'm not sure you could do that with every team, but we had a veteran group and he knew we would use the time off wisely. It allowed us to get some extra rest, which enabled us to get some energy back, something that is crucial this time of year....