Wild Card or NFC-East Champs ...does it make a big difference?

[Phoenix-Talon]

Just got back from holiday travel to Chicago (those Bears are looking treacherous).

Didn't wacth the game because of X-Box and PS-3 domination form about 5 teenagers. But it was indeed a Merry Christmas for me to learn that my team obtained a playoff birth. Didn't think to record the game prior to leaving for Chicago, But I did see an ESPN highlight (or lowlight) of T.O. dropping a straight up clear touchdown ...that's not even the T.O. we used to know.

That said, congratulations to the Cowboys for making the playoffs...the only remaining question is whether you guys will enter from the front door or the back. While I'd prefer the Eagles to enter from the front door with another NFC-East Championship under our belts, I'll Be happy with a Wild Card entry ...especially after the 2005 performance and McNabb being injured.

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.

 

[Doomsday101]

Just got back from holiday travel to Chicago (those Bears are looking treacherous).

Didn't wacth the game because of X-Box and PS-3 domination form about 5 teenagers. But it was indeed a Merry Christmas for me to learn that my team obtained a playoff birth. Didn't think to record the game prior to leaving for Chicago, But I did see an ESPN highlight (or lowlight) of T.O. dropping a straight up clear touchdown ...that's not even the T.O. we used to know.

That said, congratulations to the Cowboys for making the playoffs...the only remaining question is whether you guys will enter from the front door or the back. While I'd prefer the Eagles to enter from the front door with another NFC-East Championship under our belts, I'll Be happy with a Wild Card entry ...especially after the 2005 performance and McNabb being injured.

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.

No doubt I would have rather win the East but either way we are facing 3 games to get to where we would like to be. Having said that my concern are more along the lines of playing better football then where or who we play.

 

[Blue&Silver]

Just got back from holiday travel to Chicago (those Bears are looking treacherous).

Didn't wacth the game because of X-Box and PS-3 domination form about 5 teenagers. But it was indeed a Merry Christmas for me to learn that my team obtained a playoff birth. Didn't think to record the game prior to leaving for Chicago, But I did see an ESPN highlight (or lowlight) of T.O. dropping a straight up clear touchdown ...that's not even the T.O. we used to know.

That said, congratulations to the Cowboys for making the playoffs...the only remaining question is whether you guys will enter from the front door or the back. While I'd prefer the Eagles to enter from the front door with another NFC-East Championship under our belts, I'll Be happy with a Wild Card entry ...especially after the 2005 performance and McNabb being injured.

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.

What do you mean? If you guys beat Atlanta you're the division champions, and currently you're in first place.

As for the question, it really doesn't matter whether we get the 3rd or 5th seed. With the 3rd we'd get a home game, but that doesn't matter since we don't seem to play very good at home anyway.

My guess, we'll play Seattle in Seattle and you guys will play New York in Philly.

 

[4miler]

[QUOTE

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.[/QUOTE]

It does if your Seattle... the Dallas pass rush or Plilladelphias...

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

No doubt I would have rather win the East but either way we are facing 3 games to get to where we would like to be.

Ok, but why NFC Champs versus Wild Card? Let me give you some possible reasons I've heard in my MB travels ...

1) prestige

2) bragging rights

3) home field advantage (actually this one is legitimate enough)

But in the back of my mind I keep telling myself, what's the big deal ...a Wild Card birth is prestigious enough. I'm still trying to find a stat about the number Of teams that have entered the playoffs via a Wild Card and have actually won the Superbowl.

Having said that my concern are more along the lines of playing better football then where or who we play.

Playoffs usually denote teams automatically taking their games to another level or two. For Wild Card teams, that level is intensified By the mere fact that they really need to win the Wild Card games to officially qualify to play others teams who won their respective divisions. Finding a way to win is of Utmost im[portance In a Wild Card game/playoff games to the SB.

 

[Doomsday101]

Ok, but why NFC Champs versus Wild Card? Let me give you some possible reasons I've heard in my MB travels ...

1) prestige

2) bragging rights

3) home field advantage (actually this one is legitimate enough)

But in the back of my mind I keep telling myself, what's the big deal ...a Wild Card birth is prestigious enough. I'm still trying to find a stat about the number Of teams that have entered the playoffs via a Wild Card and have actually won the Superbowl.




Playoffs usually denote teams automatically taking their games to another level or two. For Wild Card teams, that level is intensified By the mere fact that they really need to win the Wild Card games to officially qualify to play others teams who won their respective divisions. Finding a way to win is of Utmost im[portance In a Wild Card game/playoff games to the SB.

Well if I have to play 3 games instead of 2 yes I would like one to be at home and the Division winner gets that.

As for your second statement you hope your team raises their level but that is not automatic by any means. As I have said to some of my fellow Cowboy fans if Dallas can get things turned back around then this team has a chance to do something, if not then it will be over quickly.

 

[DipChit]

It may or may not mean much more than bragging rights.

For one thing unless you're the 1 or 2 seed you're playing on wild card weekend even if you won your division. The only diff is home field advantage.

Well for some teams thats a lot bigger deal than others. If you're like 6-2 at home and 4-4 on the road you might feel pretty strongly about it. In our case we've actually won more games on the road than at home up until this point although it will likely be 50/50 after Sunday.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

Well if I have to play 3 games instead of 2 yes I would like one to be at home and the Division winner gets that. .

Listen, that makes plenty of sense, But it seems Like that would depend on what two teams verses what three teams we're talking about; and whether or not our respective teams had a choice in the matter.

As for your second statement you hope your team raises their level but that is not automatic by any means. As I have said to some of my fellow Cowboy fans if Dallas can get things turned back around then this team has a chance to do something, if not then it will be over quickly.

Two teams have an opportunity to raise there level. If both teams raise their level of play, which will occur in most cases, it's going to be a dog fight. One team always wants it more than the other, but in a playoff game ...both teams want the win, both teams are hungry and both teams will lift their level of Play to another Level.

Dallas is a playoff level team, and I have no doubt that you guys will lift your Level of play for the post season games ...via NFC-East Champs or via Wild Card.

Good luck with either! I'd really Like to see an NFC-East team represent the NFC in the SB.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Just got back from holiday travel to Chicago (those Bears are looking treacherous).

Didn't wacth the game because of X-Box and PS-3 domination form about 5 teenagers. But it was indeed a Merry Christmas for me to learn that my team obtained a playoff birth. Didn't think to record the game prior to leaving for Chicago, But I did see an ESPN highlight (or lowlight) of T.O. dropping a straight up clear touchdown ...that's not even the T.O. we used to know.

That said, congratulations to the Cowboys for making the playoffs...the only remaining question is whether you guys will enter from the front door or the back. While I'd prefer the Eagles to enter from the front door with another NFC-East Championship under our belts, I'll Be happy with a Wild Card entry ...especially after the 2005 performance and McNabb being injured.

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.

LOL... I am sure you missed that game

I would rather not win division and win the 3rd game against Philly if it came down to that. The only one of the three that would really matter.

 

[aikemirv]

First of all we entered through the front door!

Considering we were in the playoffs before anyone else in the NFC East.

Secondly, we don't have a home field advantage at home, so I am one who does not think it matters.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

Ok, but why NFC Champs versus Wild Card? Let me give you some possible reasons I've heard in my MB travels ...

1) prestige

That one is valid, imo. We've been chasing your team too long now. Last week was the chance to re-establish divisional status, pecking order, and the sheer right to wear a divisional crown cap.

I don't think that's anything to sneer at, and the team not stepping up to reposition itself was not just sad, but shocking.

2) bragging rights

That goes with #2, and might mean more to fans than players. But I am sure professional pride is involved each year in each division, 'specially one as hard fought as the NFC East.

3) home field advantage (actually this one is legitimate enough)

Honestly, I'm torn on whether it's really an advantage for the Cowboys.
I can't go so far as to say I prefer us to play on the road, and I'd love the bye week, but this team, has some confounded home jonah working that appears to queer concentration sometimes.

But in the back of my mind I keep telling myself, what's the big deal ...a Wild Card birth is prestigious enough. I'm still trying to find a stat about the number Of teams that have entered the playoffs via a Wild Card and have actually won the Superbowl.

You're in and you're in, as Bill would say.

But "Wild Card' always feels, and should feel, like the second (actually fifth/sixth) best.

 

[tyke1doe]

You also get the harder schedule next year and a lower draft pick.

If the bye doesn't come with a rest, it's inconsequential, IMO.

Playoff teams understand it's one and done.

So whether that's at home or away shouldn't matter.

But I would rather play the Seahawks than the Giants. And then I'd rather play the Bears in Soldier Field than go to New Orleans in the next round.

 

[lurkercowboy]

It is "playoff berth" not "playoff birth."

 

[MetalHead]

Just got back from holiday travel to Chicago (those Bears are looking treacherous).

Didn't wacth the game because of X-Box and PS-3 domination form about 5 teenagers. But it was indeed a Merry Christmas for me to learn that my team obtained a playoff birth. Didn't think to record the game prior to leaving for Chicago, But I did see an ESPN highlight (or lowlight) of T.O. dropping a straight up clear touchdown ...that's not even the T.O. we used to know.

That said, congratulations to the Cowboys for making the playoffs...the only remaining question is whether you guys will enter from the front door or the back. While I'd prefer the Eagles to enter from the front door with another NFC-East Championship under our belts, I'll Be happy with a Wild Card entry ...especially after the 2005 performance and McNabb being injured.

Here's the question ...

Does it matter that much if you enter the 2006 NFL Playoffs via NFC-East Champions or via a Wild Card Birth? I think we may need some help to get the NFC-East Championship ...uncertain about Dallas.

You're kidding,right?

 

[aikemirv]

That one is valid, imo. We've been chasing your team too long now. Last week was the chance to re-establish divisional status, pecking order, and the sheer right to wear a divisional crown cap.

I don't think that's anything to sneer at, and the team not stepping up to reposition itself was not just sad, but shocking.



That goes with #2, and might mean more to fans than players. But I am sure professional pride is involved each year in each division, 'specially one as hard fought as the NFC East.



Honestly, I'm torn on whether it's really an advantage for the Cowboys.
I can't go so far as to say I prefer us to play on the road, and I'd love the bye week, but this team, has some confounded home jonah working that appears to queer concentration sometimes.



You're in and you're in, as Bill would say.

But "Wild Card' always feels, and should feel, like the second (actually fifth/sixth) best.

At 10-6 I won't feel the least bit undeserving of the playoffs. Did we have the talent to be 12-4 - I would say yes, but I don't think we had the coaching to be 12-4.

Home field advantage and dominating seasons have done little for the Colts the past few years.

Can you play when it is all on the line - thats what we will find out.

We did when we played NYG on the road! And I really believe that game was a good playoff test.

 

[LaTunaNostra]

At 10-6 I won't feel the least bit undeserving of the playoffs. Did we have the talent to be 12-4 - I would say yes, but I don't think we had the coaching to be 12-4.

I never feel a team that has made it thru the season, one of the 12 of the 32 that made it, is "undeserving". The playoff system is set up to qualify 12, and all 12 earned it. If it's ever changed to qualify 16 (as Bob Kraft has been arguing for years) I might re-think that opinion.

But the panache that comes with 'owning' the division is tangible. And again, in the storied NFC East, with its proud history of long rivalries, very much so.

If we take it the house like the Steelers did last year, it's all moot. But all things considered, the wild cards are a last among equals.

Home field advantage and dominating seasons have done little for the Colts the past few years.

As Bill says, the playoffs are a whole new season. And some teams just aren't built to thrive in them.

Can you play when it is all on the line - thats what we will find out.

We did when we played NYG on the road! And I really believe that game was a good playoff test.

I like to think the NY game said a lot too.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

LOL... I am sure you missed that game

I would rather not win division and win the 3rd game against Philly if it came down to that. The only one of the three that would really matter.

Hello YoMick ...why the disguise avatar-pic? Nevermind.

Anyway, seriously ...I saw the first couple of plays and my NFL sized nephews (still in high-School) took over the televisions throughout the house. Since I was a visiting relative, I really didn't want to pull the "Uncle-authority" drama and disrupt the flow or stand in the way of X-Box/PS-3/PS-2, and other games they received; so I took a back seat and only asked them about the score periodically.

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

That one is valid, imo. We've been chasing your team too long now. Last week was the chance to re-establish divisional status, pecking order, and the sheer right to wear a divisional crown cap.

That goes with #2, and might mean more to fans than players. But I am sure professional pride is involved each year in each division, 'specially one as hard fought as the NFC East..

That's a valid point LaTunaNostra.

But "Wild Card' always feels, and should feel, like the second (actually fifth/sixth) best.

There's No disgrace in a Wild Card birth. I'd take that over the team that does not make it into the Playoffs anyday. All I'm saying is that it sounds like many are saying that the COwboys game is flat or at least needs to come Up a level or two. I'm say that Cowboys game is at a high enough level to have made a Wild Card Birth or higher. Cowboys are still the Owners of their own fate!

I commend your team ...any team should be commended for making either Wild Card or NFC-East Champs!

 

[Phoenix-Talon]

You also get the harder schedule next year and a lower draft pick..

I don't buy the harder schedule concept. That's all I heard about this year ...the Eagles have any easy schedule during the 1st part of the year, but have a hard schedule during the last portion of the season." In actuality, our harder portion gave us more wins than our so-called easy schedule!

All I'm saying is that there may be such a thing as a hard game, and less harder games, but your team's performance makes the difference at the end of the day.

If the bye doesn't come with a rest, it's inconsequential, IMO....

Actually, I agree with you on that point.

But I would rather play the Seahawks than the Giants. And then I'd rather play the Bears in Soldier Field than go to New Orleans in the next round.

I wonder if most Cowboy fans would rather play the Seahawks over the Giants. Personally, I think you guys have a better chance of defeating
the Saints than the Bears. I just got back from Chicvago ...the Bears are beasts!

 

[BrAinPaiNt]

I think the two main reasons to want the NFC East crown opposed to the wild card...

1. The one home game, sure it may only be one home game but still.

2. Momentum. The eagles have it now, the cowboys seem to have lost it now.

Momentum can be a powerful thing when a team gets hot at the end of the season.