TheSkaven
Last Man Standing
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I think many of us lose perspective in just how much better this team is now than even four or five weeks ago. Here are a few things that I found notable which I really believe are difference makers in the playoffs.
1. The defense is maturing right before our eyes. Sean Lee was always a great player but he has, now that he's been healthy for two full season, become the leader of the defense. Loved the article today about how he tore apart his teammates during halftime (after 21 points) and got them refocused for the second half (shutout).
2. Let there be no doubt anymore, David Irving needs more snaps. The kid is a beast, he now has 3 sacks over the past two games and a forced fumble. But the rest of the defensive line stepped up and played well too, even with the injuries. Just wait until we get Mo Claiborne back. We opened the season feeling like we'll have to outscore opponents. Now you just feel like the defense is going to make a key stop.
3. That Dez throw for a touchdown seems like a gimmick play - but it's really the perfect call for a week 16 game. I remember Parcells talking about this - you want to give teams in the playoffs something else to worry about. It's doubtful we'll see this play again this year, but just putting these cards on the table is enough to make opposing teams game plan for the possibility.
4. We can argue the "defense wins championships" cliche all day - but one thing that all Superbowl teams have is depth. Dak and Romo at QB. Zeke, McFadden and Morris at RB. An offensive line deep enough that Garrett runs formations with 6 olinemen - and La'El Collins likely back soon.
With so many weapons on offense and a defense that is coming into its own, we should be favored to win every game from here to the Superbowl.
I think as a fan of this team I have not been more optimistic since 1992. The 2007 run was fun but you knew that we had a flawed team. This is a complete team, playing well at every position and all three phases of the game, with an aggressive coach. And they're young - Dak (23), Zeke (21), Irving (23), La'El Collins (23), Maliek Collins (21), etc.
Wrap your head around this - the Cowboys only have 8 players on their entire roster who are 29 years or older, and of those only Witten, Free and Lee are starters.
1. The defense is maturing right before our eyes. Sean Lee was always a great player but he has, now that he's been healthy for two full season, become the leader of the defense. Loved the article today about how he tore apart his teammates during halftime (after 21 points) and got them refocused for the second half (shutout).
2. Let there be no doubt anymore, David Irving needs more snaps. The kid is a beast, he now has 3 sacks over the past two games and a forced fumble. But the rest of the defensive line stepped up and played well too, even with the injuries. Just wait until we get Mo Claiborne back. We opened the season feeling like we'll have to outscore opponents. Now you just feel like the defense is going to make a key stop.
3. That Dez throw for a touchdown seems like a gimmick play - but it's really the perfect call for a week 16 game. I remember Parcells talking about this - you want to give teams in the playoffs something else to worry about. It's doubtful we'll see this play again this year, but just putting these cards on the table is enough to make opposing teams game plan for the possibility.
4. We can argue the "defense wins championships" cliche all day - but one thing that all Superbowl teams have is depth. Dak and Romo at QB. Zeke, McFadden and Morris at RB. An offensive line deep enough that Garrett runs formations with 6 olinemen - and La'El Collins likely back soon.
With so many weapons on offense and a defense that is coming into its own, we should be favored to win every game from here to the Superbowl.
I think as a fan of this team I have not been more optimistic since 1992. The 2007 run was fun but you knew that we had a flawed team. This is a complete team, playing well at every position and all three phases of the game, with an aggressive coach. And they're young - Dak (23), Zeke (21), Irving (23), La'El Collins (23), Maliek Collins (21), etc.
Wrap your head around this - the Cowboys only have 8 players on their entire roster who are 29 years or older, and of those only Witten, Free and Lee are starters.
