I've been swept up by this Romo craze as anyone, but I'm still not taking anything for granted when it comes to the playoff picture.
Just too many variables. Frick ups. Injuries. Etc.
I think we have a valid chance at the No. 2 seed. I don't see Chicago losing grip of that top spot. No way, no how. If there were another team of Chicago's ability, I'd likely be confined to accepting the third seed. But the other division leaders are either inconsistent, injured or reeling, so I don't necessarily see a legitimate threat there to Chicago, any AFC playoff team or even potentially this team.
The Cowboys have to first beat New York though before anything is assumed as far as playoff positioning. Get that upper hand on New York and I think we might be able, as fans, to start looking ahead. But lose that game and we might be stuck to a wild-card spot.
IF we were to play Chicago in Chicago, I don't know what to think. It's an environment we're, as a team, not necessarily that used to. It'd be a rabid atmosphere. Chicago's defense is relentless. And their offense, while shaky on a week-to-week basis, is now capable of making the game-changing play. Not to mention their special teams rocks.
It'd be a fun matchup, though. Chicago's been the top dog in the conference all season. And while they've cooled down somewhat, that hasn't been reflected in the won-lost column. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are heating up after a mediocre start thanks to the change at quarterback. Suddenly, all those parts that made the Cowboys a popular preseason Super Bowl pick are playing up to the expectations.
Also interesting would be to see Grossman versus Romo. Two essentially untested playoff quarterbacks, but two young guys with immense promise.