ESPN Mosley: My Predictions: Cowboys will win 10 games

[WoodysGirl]

April 14, 2009 10:30 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

OK, I've returned from watching an hour of our SportsCenter special NFL schedule show with Trey Wingo at the helm. In checking some of the Web sites dedicated to covering NFL East teams, I came across Todd Archer's game-by-game schedule analysis of the Cowboys.

Here's how I would break it down for the Cowboys:

Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay -- Going up against a brand new coach and a below average starting quarterback. You could do a lot worse in terms of a road game. Just ask the Commanders. I have the Cowboys winning this game.

Sept. 20 New York Giants -- Lots of emotion tied up in the new stadium's first game. Jerry Jones will make sure to provide a nutty atmosphere -- and he won't have to go out of his way. I think the Cowboys take care of business to improve to 2-0.

Sept. 28 Carolina Panthers -- After an emotional win over the Giants, the Cowboys come back to earth with a loss on "Monday Night Football." If you're scoring at home, they're 2-1 now.

Oct. 4 at Denver -- Most of us thought this would be the first road game. It will be another opportunity to play against a first-time head coach. And DeMarcus Ware could feast on Kyle Orton. This could be a huge game for Tony Romo against an overmatched defense. 3-1

Oct. 11 at Kansas City -- Guess what? ANOTHER first-time head coach in Todd Haley, who loves coaching against his old team. This time, though, he doesn't have Larry Fitzgerald. Give me the Cowboys in a close one. 4-1

Oct. 18 BYE -- This is a little earlier than Wade Phillips wanted.

Oct. 25 Atlanta -- Cowboys welcome a playoff team from '08. I think Matt Ryan will face a much different type of pressure this season. Now, he's expected to perform like a stud quarterback. He might take his lumps in this one. Cowboys improve to 5-1.

Nov. 1 Seattle -- The Cowboys love seeing the Seahawks come to town. Matt Hasselbeck should be banged up at this point. Cowboys improve to 6-1. Dallas rejoices.

Nov. 8 Philadelphia -- Cowboys are haunted by the 44-6 loss. They perform much better, but still lose to an Eagles team that is just getting hot. 6-2

Nov. 15 at Green Bay -- Strange to have back-to-back seasons with a trip to Lambeau. Last year's win appeared to be the start of something big. We all know what happened, though. A much-improved Packers team hands the Cowboys their second straight loss. 6-3

Nov. 22 Washington -- Commanders walked into Texas Stadium last year and pushed the Cowboys around. It won't happen this time around. Cowboys bounce back with a 27-17 win to improve to 7-3.

Nov. 26 Oakland -- The Thanksgiving matchup we've dreamed about for years. Kidding. Cowboys take care of business to improve to 8-3.

Dec. 6 at New York Giants -- Last year was an embarrassment when the Cowboys had to play Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger in the Meadowlands. But even in a close one, the Giants still find a way. 8-4

Dec. 13 San Diego -- Norv Turner shows up with something to prove. He felt like he was the best man for the Cowboys' job -- especially for Tony Romo. The Chargers are at their best late in the season. Norv gets his revenge. 8-5

Dec. 19 at New Orleans -- We fall in love with the Saints every offseason. Well, I'm not doing this year. They'll put up some great offensive numbers, but they won't stop anyone. Cowboys take care of business to improve to 9-5.

Dec. 27 at Washington -- I think Jim Zorn will still have the Commanders playing well -- or at least hard -- at this point in the season. And Jason Campbell and Devin Thomas will shred the Cowboys' secondary. Remember you heard it here first. 9-6

Jan 3 Philadelphia -- Love the fact the NFL went right back to this matchup. And I hope it actually means something. This time, the Cowboys take care of business at home. 10-6

OK, I'll do this with the other teams Wednesday -- if you guys are interested.

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfceast/0-9-87/My-Predictions--Cowboys-will-win-10-games.html

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Wow...6-1 start and then only win 4 over the final 9 games? That would be very discouraging, IMO.

Plus I don't agree with Greenbay and the second Commanders game. Devin Thomas will be out for the season by the time they get to that point and Campbell will already be pulled as the starter by then.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

It continues to amaze me that people like Mosley bash us all year in practically every area -- crazy owner, overrated players, laughable head coach -- and then pick us to go 10-6. It doesn't make sense at all.

I seriously think some of these guys pick us to be better than they think we really are so they can trash us for underachieving at the end of the year.

 

[firehawk350]

It continues to amaze me that people like Mosley bash us all year in practically every area -- crazy owner, overrated players, laughable head coach -- and then pick us to go 10-6. It doesn't make sense at all.

I seriously think some of these guys pick us to be better than they think we really are so they can trash us for underachieving at the end of the year.

They got burnt last year predicting Cowboys super bowl.

 

[NeonNinja]

It's time for this team to man up and handle their business, no excuses. They can do better than 10-6, let's just hope they have that fire and are tired of losing late in the year and hearing all this negative talk towards our team.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

They got burnt last year predicting Cowboys super bowl.

I don't think you got my point at all.

 

[CoCo]

It continues to amaze me that people like Mosley bash us all year in practically every area -- crazy owner, overrated players, laughable head coach -- and then pick us to go 10-6. It doesn't make sense at all.

I seriously think some of these guys pick us to be better than they think we really are so they can trash us for underachieving at the end of the year.

I think you're equating the recent bashing with an assumption that our team is lousy overall. I don't believe that is the premise.

I think the media generally regards us as a very talented but underachieving team and one that ultimately folds when its playoff time. I think the last three years are tremendous fuel for that fire.

With that premise it makes sense to predict a winning record but at the same time lambast the team for not reaching expectations.

 

[CactusCowboy]

Before draft and seeing Williams and Austin I see 8-8. May have different thoughts after the draft.

 

[TheCount]

Seems completely plausable to me.

Wouldn't be surprised to see one of those "sure wins" turn into a loss and one of those tough losses turn into a win for us either, though.

 

[superpunk]

I don't think you got my point at all.

Wouldn't it be more surprising if he did?

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I think you're equating the recent bashing with an assumption that our team is lousy overall. I don't believe that is the premise.

I think the media generally regards us as a very talented but underachieving team and one that ultimately folds when its playoff time. I think the last three years are tremendous fuel for that fire.

With that premise it makes sense to predict a winning record but at the same time lambast the team for not reaching expectations.

If you heard Mosley on the radio every day like I do, yes, you'd assume he thinks we're lousy overall. Maybe not Detroit Lions lousy, but 8-8 lousy for sure.

Wouldn't it be more surprising if he did?

Absolutely.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

They got burnt last year predicting Cowboys super bowl.

what up firesquaw?

 

[TellerMorrow34]

They got burnt last year predicting Cowboys super bowl.

Much like anyone who saw you guys 6-2 start last year and honestly thought you were legit playoff contenders.

 

[InDakWeTrust]

I just hope that the rest of the division is as beat up as we were last year, we could be similar to last year's Giants if we are healthy. We could very well have 3 700 yard rushers or more.

We can easily be 7-1 or 6-2 at the halfway point. I think with a draft that lands us a WR, NT, Olineman and CB/S we have the depth to get by some injuries that are pretty much inevitable.

McBriar and Felix coming back almost assure us of our ST being 100% better along with DeCamillas. A healthy Roy, Austin and Kosier assure us of prodcution in the passing game. Brooking and Sensabaugh will be very good role players too IMO.

I could see us hit 12-4 with a healthy team all year, but because of our coaching and possible injuries like last year, another 7-9, 8-8 could easily be attainable with someone like Ware, Newman, Ratliff or Romo getting hurt for an extended period. I wouldn't mind seeing 2 TE sets for 15-20 plays each game to open up the deep ball, because other teams need Safeties on Witten and Bennett. Felix running behind a healthy line and having 3 RB's to split carries can be a godsend for this offense.

 

[Canadian BoyzFan]

He picks us 10-6, yet in his chat YESTERDAY says we are going to finish 3rd in the East. He's got a good scam going. Why couldn't someone pay me to talk out of my arse?

 

[Joe Realist]

I see 9-7 at best. Most of the players remain from last year. The team team that quit in that 44-6 loss. The coach is still here. Romo at his worst in December. Why should I think anything would change?

 

[Canadian BoyzFan]

Here is another gem.

Dec. 27 at Washington -- I think Jim Zorn will still have the Commanders playing well -- or at least hard -- at this point in the season. And Jason Campbell and Devin Thomas will shred the Cowboys' secondary. Remember you heard it here first. 9-6

GOOD GRIEF.

 

[SMCowboy]

April 14, 2009 10:30 PM

Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley

OK, I've returned from watching an hour of our SportsCenter special NFL schedule show with Trey Wingo at the helm. In checking some of the Web sites dedicated to covering NFL East teams, I came across Todd Archer's game-by-game schedule analysis of the Cowboys.

Here's how I would break it down for the Cowboys:

Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay -- Going up against a brand new coach and a below average starting quarterback. You could do a lot worse in terms of a road game. Just ask the Commanders. I have the Cowboys winning this game.

Playing in Tampa is never easy. But Tampa definately has some issues. The D that was far from special last year lost Derrick Brooks, Cato June, Kevin Carter and Phillip Buchannon (all 4 starters) and only added Angelo Crowell. And when Brian Leftwich is very likely your starting QB, QB is FAR from a strength either. Should be a win for Dallas.

New York Giants -- Lots of emotion tied up in the new stadium's first game. Jerry Jones will make sure to provide a nutty atmosphere -- and he won't have to go out of his way. I think the Cowboys take care of business to improve to 2-0.[/SIZE]

The Giants have a MAJOR hole at WR, and we saw what they were able to do with Plaxico Buress last year. Until that hole is filled, they still have some issues moving the football. Plus the game is in Dallas. Dallas should win this game as well.

Sept. 28Carolina Panthers -- After an emotional win over the Giants, the Cowboys come back to earth with a loss on "Monday Night Football." If you're scoring at home, they're 2-1 now.

Carolina is definately a dangerous team, especially with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. But, they have done nothing so far this offseason except losing Ken Lucas who they cut. Plus, they do not have a 1st round DP either. However given that Carolina is a dangerous team, this could go either way.

Oct. 4 at Denver -- Most of us thought this would be the first road game. It will be another opportunity to play against a first-time head coach. And DeMarcus Ware could feast on Kyle Orton. This could be a huge game for Tony Romo against an overmatched defense. 3-1

Denver should be greatly overmatched, a poor defense as well as not having a great QB anymore OR a great RB. Should be an easy game for Dallas.

Oct. 11 at Kansas City -- Guess what? ANOTHER first-time head coach in Todd Haley, who loves coaching against his old team. This time, though, he doesn't have Larry Fitzgerald. Give me the Cowboys in a close one. 4-1[/SIZE]

Kansas City will no doubt be improved with Matt Cassell in at QB. But Kansas City still hasn't made any major additions to fix the holes in the defense, and while the offense will be improved, I don't see it being that improved. Dallas should win.

Oct. 25 Atlanta -- Cowboys welcome a playoff team from '08. I think Matt Ryan will face a much different type of pressure this season. Now, he's expected to perform like a stud quarterback. He might take his lumps in this one. Cowboys improve to 5-1.

Dallas coming off a bye against a team that while greatly improved last year was also greatly benefited by playing a very weak schedule. Plus a team that lost 4 starters from an already weak defense and only added Mike Peterson. It will be a good game, but Dallas should win.

Nov. 1 Seattle -- The Cowboys love seeing the Seahawks come to town. Matt Hasselbeck should be banged up at this point. Cowboys improve to 6-1. Dallas rejoices.

Can Matt Hasselbeck stay anywhere near healthy this season, back injuries never end up going away. Not to mention, the D still has a ton of holes and the RB tandem of Julius Jones and TJ Duckett doesn't scare anyone. Dallas should win easily.

Nov. 8 Philadelphia -- Cowboys are haunted by the 44-6 loss. They perform much better, but still lose to an Eagles team that is just getting hot. 6-2

It is a divisional game on the road, but is Brian Westbrook going to be able to stay healthy and is he still the Brian Westbrook that people fear. However Philly is a very dangerous team still. However given that the game is in Philly, I will give Philly the W, but it should be a close game.

Nov. 15 at Green Bay -- Strange to have back-to-back seasons with a trip to Lambeau. Last year's win appeared to be the start of something big. We all know what happened, though. A much-improved Packers team hands the Cowboys their second straight loss. 6-3

I do not know how the Packers are much improved, this is a team that has a good offense, but a defense that simply is NOT very good, and are switching to a 3-4 defense without a guy who can play the nose tackle and only one OLB position filled so far. Dallas should win Lambeau Field or not.

Nov. 22 Washington -- Commanders walked into Texas Stadium last year and pushed the Cowboys around. It won't happen this time around. Cowboys bounce back with a 27-17 win to improve to 7-3.

The Commanders still do not have a very good OL, and only 1 weapon at WR. And Haynesworth now has to prove he can play like a Monster when he is not playing for a contract. With the game in Dallas, Cowboys should win.

Nov. 26 Oakland -- The Thanksgiving matchup we've dreamed about for years. Kidding. Cowboys take care of business to improve to 8-3.

It is the Raiders, enough said..... Cowboys win.....

Dec. 6 at New York Giants -- Last year was an embarrassment when the Cowboys had to play Brad Johnson and Brooks Bollinger in the Meadowlands. But even in a close one, the Giants still find a way. 8-4

The game is in the Meadowlands, but even last year Dallas seemed to have the Giants number. Not to mention, the Cowboys biggest nemisis (Plaxico Burress) is no longer with the team. Unless the Giants find a replacement for Burress, Cowboys win again.

Dec. 13 San Diego -- Norv Turner shows up with something to prove. He felt like he was the best man for the Cowboys' job -- especially for Tony Romo. The Chargers are at their best late in the season. Norv gets his revenge. 8-5

The Chargers are are simply not a very good football team, plus their best player seems to be slowing down (LT). Not to mention their D has a LOT of holes in it and needs more than just getting Merriman back. Plus, don't underestimate the fact that a large part of their late season success has been against the likes of (Oakland, KC, Denver). Dallas should win this game.

Dec. 19 at New Orleans -- We fall in love with the Saints every offseason. Well, I'm not doing this year. They'll put up some great offensive numbers, but they won't stop anyone. Cowboys take care of business to improve to 9-5.

Until the Saints learn how to stop someone, they are still a 500 ball club. And nothing the Saints have added to date shows me that they are going to fix the defense yet this year. Even in New Orleans, Dallas wins.

Dec. 27 at Washington -- I think Jim Zorn will still have the Commanders playing well -- or at least hard -- at this point in the season. And Jason Campbell and Devin Thomas will shred the Cowboys' secondary. Remember you heard it here first. 9-6

The game is in Washington, but Washington always fades at the end of the season largely because they have no depth. Their O simply will not put up enough points to beat Dallas even in Washington.

Jan 3 Philadelphia -- Love the fact the NFL went right back to this matchup. And I hope it actually means something. This time, the Cowboys take care of business at home. 10-6

Anouther conference game, against Philly but this time it is in Dallas. Dallas has played very well against Philly when they decide to show up for the game. I am going Dallas here.

All that I see in the schedule that scares me at all, besides the Carolina Panthers are the division opponents.

 

[DFWJC]

When I looked at the schedule, that is exactly how I picked 'em.

I'm always hoping for better and know it could be worse, but 10-6 in that precise manner was my prediction as well.

 

[DFWJC]

He picks us 10-6, yet in his chat YESTERDAY says we are going to finish 3rd in the East. He's got a good scam going. Why couldn't someone pay me to talk out of my arse?

That certainly is possible but not probable.