If the Dallas Cowboys Lose Sunday in Minnesota, is it Still a Successful Season?

[gimmesix]

If we lose, then part of it depends on how we lose, but mostly it depends on next season.

Was this a step forward or just another season where we fell short?

Success in a non-Super Bowl-winning season isn't about how far you made it, but about what you built IMO.

The 2007 team had a lot of "success" in going 13-3, something to be very proud of, but it isn't the playoff loss that makes that sort of a wasted season, it's the failure in 2008 to make that next step.

 

[Dave_in-NC]

If we lose, then part of it depends on how we lose, but mostly it depends on next season.

Was this a step forward or just another season where we fell short?

Success in a non-Super Bowl-winning season isn't about how far you made it, but about what you built IMO.

The 2007 team had a lot of "success" in going 13-3, something to be very proud of, but it isn't the playoff loss that makes that sort of a wasted season, it's the failure in 2008 to make that next step.

This.

 

[sonnyboy]

I have been pondering this issue. I can't decide.

I'm with you. Can't and won't decide. So the Cowboys are going to just have to win Sunday

 

[EmSmith22]

I've already chalked up this season as successful. I had the Cowboys finishing 2nd in the NFC East, and they ended up winning the division. I don't think anyone realistically thought that would happen before the season started.

All I wanted from the Cowboys this season was a playoff win, and they obviously got it, so in my eyes this years Cowboys team is a success.

But am I hungry for more? Hell yes!

 

[Tricericon]

Yes and Yes for me. Of course, I ain't gonna complain if it gets more successful.

 

[yimyammer]

Absolutely!

This is a win for the team concept and all the coaches and staff that convinced Jerry to get rid of TO, Tank, Pac, etc.

If this puts the nail in the coffin of Jerry's wild-catting ways, this season is a win for this season and our future

 

[jobberone]

It all depends on your definition of success.

 

[Ultra Warrior]

1. If the Cowboys lose Sunday, will you still consider the season a success?

2. If the Cowboys lose Sunday, will you want Wade Phillips back?

1. It wont be a success but it will be an improvement.

2. Yes. Wade got us over the hump.

 

[casmith07]

I want Wade Phillips back. He's proven me wrong that he cannot be a successful head coach in the NFL.

 

[RainMan]

Let me just break this down.

Two NFC East titles in the last three years.
A winning record after Thanksgiving.
The first playoff win since 1996.
Dominating a nemesis for the threesweep.
A defense playing out of its mind.
A very explosive offense with multiple weapons, including a top notch quarterback.
A special teams unit that is vastly improved.
A divisional round playoff appearance.
A head coach whose philosophy the players have bought into.

No matter what happens Sunday, the future is bright. This season is already a success, but the Cowboys might as well be greedy. The sky is the limit.

Good post. And I think you highlight the most important matter here -- the future. Projecting where this team could go, it makes no sense to move in a different direction.

 

[Jimz31]

Successful? Nope. And I don't think the players would look at it as a success either.

Wade back? I'm leaning towards it as I now believe that he is definately the reason why our defense has been so strong late in the season. We all knew that he was a true DC, but we all wondered where it was earlier in the season....I think the players finally got it figured out or something!

 

[NextGenBoys]

If we lose, then part of it depends on how we lose, but mostly it depends on next season.

Was this a step forward or just another season where we fell short?

Success in a non-Super Bowl-winning season isn't about how far you made it, but about what you built IMO.

The 2007 team had a lot of "success" in going 13-3, something to be very proud of, but it isn't the playoff loss that makes that sort of a wasted season, it's the failure in 2008 to make that next step.

Great freaking point.

 

[CliffnDallas]

Successful, but disappointing.

See above ^

 

[Stash]

By Richie Whitt in Dallas Cowboys
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/sportatorium/2010/01/if_the_dallas_cowboys_lose_sun.php

Since I predicted the Dallas Cowboys would win a playoff game this year, to me they haven't over-acheived. Merely achieved.

At 12-5 with an NFC East championship and a playoff win for the first time since 1996, is it enough?

Two questions:

1. If the Cowboys lose Sunday, will you still consider the season a success?

2. If the Cowboys lose Sunday, will you want Wade Phillips back?

I'd say Yes and Yes.

For this fan, everything else is icing on the cake at this point.

The Cowboys, Phillips and Romo have quieted the critics who said they couldn't win in December or the playoffs

As a bonus, they got to destroy the Eagles in the process.

I obviously want to see them win not only this Sunday, but the whole thing and there will be some measure of disappointment if they don't.

But I think this season was a great success and I definitely think Phillips has earned the right to stay on as head coach.