Is it ok to start talking about it?

[Verdict]

Right now I see this team as a group of players that are teammates instead of a group of players that are playing good enough to be 5-1 and very close to have been undefeated. All I care about is winning the next game .then after that game I'll care about the game after that. No need in looking past the next game on the schedule. I'll start thinking playoffs when they officially qualify. So let's put away the anointing oil and tap the breaks.

That is very true. We are a point, a dropped pass, or slightly better coaching from being 6 and 0 and undefeated. We are also probably a slight margin of error from being 2 and 4 on the year as well. The margin of error is that slight in the NFL.

 

[reddyuta]

We were 0-14 to Blain freaking Gabbert.a better QB and we would have lost that game.one game at a time folks.

 

[Verdict]

I still stand by Vikings are doing this with smoke and mirrors. Like the Cardinals of the last few years. They will be exposed sooner than later.

The Cardinals are an anomaly. I could easily see the Cardinals missing out on the playoffs altogether, or going to the Super Bowl. There aren't that many teams you can say that about.

 

[conner01]

Not making the playoffs at 5-1 would require a major collapse. So I assume we get in. Next goal home field advantage.

 

[MRV52]

Amidst this unexpected season of drunken celebration, there are quiet questions brewing. And no, I'm talking about Romo or Dak or a crazy world under whichever nutbag wins the presidency.

I mean questions nobody feels right asking.

This golden crop of rookies, combined with defensive suddenness and a man-eating offensive line, has us riding a wave of hope that nobody saw on the horizon in Oxnard two months ago. Somehow, the league turned upside-down, and brand-name powerhouses are falling to pieces. Who exactly is good, and who isn't? Nobody really knows who from what right now.

What we do know is that our Cowboys are 5-1, and that 10-6 should win this division handily. My extreme powers of deductive reasoning tell me that's a given for Dallas, and that the Cowboys are a shoo-in to win the NFC East unless a meteor hits Frisco, Texas on a Wednesday morning.

So, what's next?

I've scoured this schedule, and I find myself - dare I say it - actually looking for losable games. There simply aren't many. (Did I say that out loud?) The ding-dong Cowboys are suddenly dang-damn good.

They aren't going to win out, surely, but who's going to beat them? Pittsburgh may not have Big Ben. Baltimore just can't score. The Eagles look limp. The Giants are a mess. Who? Nobody wants to play against this offensive line. Just ain't fun. Who out there in the NFC has the goods?

Such is stirring up the questions. First, is the focus now about home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and second, is this a Super Bowl team?

Somebody shoot me now and get it over with. I'm talking the crazy talk. I should probably have my posting privileges revoked before I shame you all. Stop me before I implode the internet.

Look at that schedule. 13-3? No, I'm being serious. 14-2? Is this team going to the Super Bowl? Then who is?

Blurred by the constant Dak/Romo and pass-rush discussions, the much larger picture here is bigger than we could have ever imagined.

If they can avoid injuries which is a big if, this team is a Super Bowl team no question. They are only going to get better and will have people coming back from injuries. Romo though has to take over, and avoid injury again. I fear no one in NFL with this team playing the way they are. This team is better than 2014.

 

[MRV52]

I think it's super important for us to play in Dallas in the playoffs.

I want the bye and I dont want to not go to Minny, Lambeau, Seattle, or Atlanta.

Play in Dallas? Only if Jerry buys some blinds.

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Agreed on all fronts besides Minnesota. They are loud up there, and it would almost be better to play outdoors up there to reduce the noise. They designed that stadium so it would be just as loud, if not louder than the Metrodome. One of the best home field advantages in the NFL.

Weather conditions tend to worry me more than noise. One of the things I really liked about drafting Dak was his enormous hands (10-7/8"). But this is a team accustomed to fairly good conditions and being able to be fast on turf.



YR

 

[tyke1doe]

I'm excited about this team. I think we're moving in the right direction.
I haven't started thinking Super Bowl yet because we're not at the half-way point of the season yet.
However, if I allow my thoughts to go there, I think we have a good chance. If Randy Gregory had not been suspended, I think we'd have even a better chance (Yes, Randy Gregory is THAT good). The lack of a pass rush scares me, particularly in the playoffs. If we had just that component, I'd say we'd be the prohibitive favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
However, even without a top defense, I think our smash-mouth offense is perfect for a playoff run. Remember, the Hogs won three Super Bowls without a historic defense, as did the Giants, at least the second time with a nearly washed up Lawrence Taylor.
It can be done.

I think one other thing that could derail this team, however, is if we disrupt the rhythm we've established with Dak and insert Tony Romo. Look, I would love to see Romo win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys. But not at the expense of disturbing the chemistry we now have with this team. I think that would be a bad move.

Honestly, I envision us reeling off five straight wins after the bye week to be 10-1 going into the Vikings game - all wins with Dak as quarterback. I envision this team getting better at running the ball, better at passing the ball and our defensive confidence growing.

But let me put on the brakes. I'm getting ahead of myself. One day at a time, sweet Jesus, that's all I'm asking of you.

 

[tyke1doe]

Weather conditions tend to worry me more than noise. One of the things I really liked about drafting Dak was his enormous hands (10-7/8"). But this is a team accustomed to fairly good conditions and being able to be fast on turf.
YR

I think the outdoors favors a smash-mouth team like the Cowboys, the running of Zeke and Morris and a dual threat quarterback like Dak.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Weather conditions tend to worry me more than noise. One of the things I really liked about drafting Dak was his enormous hands (10-7/8"). But this is a team accustomed to fairly good conditions and being able to be fast on turf.



YR

Good point on hand size, but dont you think this team lends itself incredibly well to playing in poor conditions, as opposed to a loud crowd where we have to use a silent count

 

[zrinkill]

Now let me set something straight ........ I am excited about the team and think we have a lot of potential .......... next year.

I do not think we can win in the playoffs without a pass rusher ....... but I also think people have the right to be excited and think we could go all the way if they want to be.

 

[Trouty]

No.

That's because you're negative and cynical in all of your posts. My troll-dar is going off on you. With a 5-1 start, you need to dial it down a little, bubba. It's ok to be positive, while cautiously reserved. But you're neither. Ever.

But you won't reply to me. Go hide in your corner.

 

[Proof]

This has always made me chuckle too. It's all the "realist" who don't want to look non football smart and want to be perfect.. aka beta personalities.

Its just cautious optimism. Most fans won't say DONT get excited, just sometimes restraint is warranted to keep from getting crushed. There's also just getting too cocky which is never a good look IMO especially with how we've had our hearts broken previously.

That said I'm aboard with both feet.

Man if we went just .500 the the rest of the way we're sitting st 10-6. That's so crazy to me. Also, Minnesota is legit. I'm very impressed with their defense, but really we're a ball control, smash mouth run, efficient, chain moving offense with a heady, athletic qb. What can they really take away from us? We're not relying on explosive plays at all. I thin if there's a team in the league built to counter that D it lives in Dallas.

 

[DenCWBY]

Arizona and GB are done, Den. But I agree, a contender could come out of this division not named the Cowboys. It will be fun.

I hope they (GB/Phx) are done and I hope I'm wrong on any others coming to life but there always seems to be a dark horse. Atlanta, Seahawks i think are the real deal. Hell even the Giants can come to life. Never know.
JG just needs to play it smart with potential injuries and I think he will. The individual rushing and passing records everyone is talking about are a side show. We just need to secure HFA and comeitno January healthy as possible. We would definitely be a contender for the big dance.

 

[nobody]

They haven't signed any real knuckleheads and look to be pursuing dudes with character, so maybe the stink finally washed off and they can have some good luck?

 

[Yakuza Rich]

Good point on hand size, but dont you think this team lends itself incredibly well to playing in poor conditions, as opposed to a loud crowd where we have to use a silent count

We've been using the silent count this year and it's worked well. We do run the ball well and that would make you think that we'd be better in tough conditions.

Tough call.

I just think we've got a really darn good offense either way and I don't think we should be afraid of anybody.



YR

 

[tyke1doe]

Now let me set something straight ........ I am excited about the team and think we have a lot of potential .......... next year.

I do not think we can win in the playoffs without a pass rusher ....... but I also think people have the right to be excited and think we could go all the way if they want to be.

Based on the young talent we have now, the draft would be even more exciting because it would bring in even more talent.
If you look at our roster, we have Pro Bowl talent at almost every position.

QB - Romo/Dak (who is playing like a Pro Bowler)
WR - Dez Byrant
TE - Jason Witten (he may have slowed a bit, but he's still among the better tight ends in the NFC and the league)
RB - Zeke Elliott
OL - Smith, Frederick, Martin, Leary
CB - Mo Claiborne
FS - Byron Jones (I think he gets in this year)
LB - Sean Lee (Imagine how better we'll be here if Jaylon Smith returns healthy)

Defensive end is about the only position we need to fortify with a Pro Bowl talent. I think Randy Gregory can be that player, but he's not dependable.

Another monster draft and we could make that 92-93 Super Bowl jump.

 

[Trouty]

I hope they (GB/Phx) are done and I hope I'm wrong on any others coming to life but there always seems to be a dark horse. Atlanta, Seahawks i think are the real deal. Hell even the Giants can come to life. Never know.
JG just needs to play it smart with potential injuries and I think he will. The individual rushing and passing records everyone is talking about are a side show. We just need to secure HFA and comeitno January healthy as possible. We would definitely be a contender for the big dance.

Agreed, wholeheartedly, Den.

 

[NextGenBoys]

We've been using the silent count this year and it's worked well. We do run the ball well and that would make you think that we'd be better in tough conditions.

Tough call.

I just think we've got a really darn good offense either way and I don't think we should be afraid of anybody.



YR

I must not have noticed the frequency that we're using a silent count. But yeah, agreed on our dominant offense. This feels like 2014 all over again where no one is better than us. No one had a better record than 12-4 that year.

 

[MileyDancer]

That being said, I'm looking to go to the Minnesota game.

I've been looking to that one since last season. A friend of ours comes down from MN twice a season for games. Now it's our turn to go up there. I got my flight, hotel, and game tickets for Cleveland in 2 weeks. Looking forward to my 5th road game, and exploring a new city.