It wasn't going to end this season any other way. For good or bad, it was always going to come down to a Week 17 win and you're in scenario.
This was a somewhat uneven performance, but the Cowboys showed a lot of mental toughness in this game to win. They still didn't run it as much as I would like, they still don't mount a pass rush of any consequence, they still have mental errors and breakdowns at critical times, but the team hangs in there. When Romo threw the interception in the third quarter, I thought that this would potentially be the moment where they would throw in the towel, but the defense hardened to hold the Commanders to a FG, and kept the team in the game. I thought it was telling that when Wilcox came to the sidelines after his boneheaded penalty, the offensive players all came to him and showed support. This tells me that this team is still united in the cause, and this unity allowed them to overcome their errors and the deficit to win.
Right now, the best three players on this team are Tyron Smith, DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant. Smith absolutely dominated Orakpo, and has become a true force at LT. He at times shows a weakness in sealing the backside on some stretch plays, but his balance and punch are as good as there is in the league. If he doesn't make the Pro Bowl this year (only other LTs in the NFC close to his level are Jermon Bushrod and Joe Staley), it's a crime. Murray has been determined, dogged and has run strong in the second half. All he has been lacking is opportunities. He did get 22 carries today, and made the play to win the game, but it feels like he should be even more involved. Bryant showed some guts today battling despite his shoulder injury. He didn't look like he could raise his right arm very well, but he made big plays, and should have had two TDs if not for an errant pass in the fourth quarter. He still has a lot to learn about his craft, but his enthusiasm, intensity, hands and determination make him a stud.
The defense deserves some credit for hanging in there. Yes, Garcon abused Brandon Carr today. However, they largely kept the passing game in check despite a lack of a pass rush, and made Alfred Morris earn his yards. When they needed to, they stiffened up, and held the Commanders to field goals. These instances were a huge part of this win today that will largely go ignored by most.
Tony Romo was not great for the whole of the game, but was great when he had to be. He was terrific in the fourth quarter, and made things happen with his legs all day long. He once again showed his physical toughness in hanging in there despite his back injury. He was very heady on the last drive, and the check down to Murray to win the game was the mark of a guy who was calm, composed and completely aware of all of his options on the play. After last week's cluster *****, it was nice to see him rebound and make THE play to win.
The injury situation is downright comical, and a number of players showed guts in playing with and through injuries. Romo, Bryant, DeMarcus Ware, George Selvie, Kyle Wilber and Bruce Carter all deserve credit for playing through injuries. It's a little worrisome going into next week's game, but it is what it is.
Win and your in. It isn't perfect, but I'll take it. With the game at home for the first Week 17 game since 2009, I have a feeling that it will turn out differently this time around.
