With the resounding 56-14 victory for the Cowboys over the Washington team at AT&T Stadium, a team was observed with perfect balance in all aspects of the game. Since not only did the defense stand up for the group as it has been seen in the last three weeks, but the offense also became a devastating force. And last but not least, even the special teams managed to score in a match that had it all.
Something that was to be expected with the results that were taking place, the Cowboys already stayed with the NFC East thanks to their 11-4 record. And in any case, the numbers could give the Eagles access to the playoffs as a wild card, although on the schedule they still have a game in week 18 against the Cowboys.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs wearing the team’s NFC East championship hat and shirt. pic.twitter.com/2DWHTV38Sc
– Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) December 27, 2021
Returning to Dallas, in the National Conference standings they maintain second place in the NFC behind only Green Bay. So the triple-tie situation continues so far, only that Arizona has come out of it and now those who hold third place are the Rams. Tampa Bay continues to do its thing and maintains its 11-4 record after beating Carolina 32-6. But with everything and this, they have now dropped to fourth place thanks to the Rams’ Conference record.
Either way, there are already five spots secured for this year’s postseason in the NFC. However, the Cowboys still have a chance to reach the top spot of it and play every playoff at home. From any point of view, this would be the best news that could happen to the Lone Star team.
As already mentioned, the only obstacle in the way is the Green Bay Packers. The NFC North team’s record is 12-3 and they would have to lose at least one game of their two remaining for Dallas to have a chance to move up. Mind you, the Cowboys can’t lose another game on the schedule. With some Arizona Cardinals that will seek to overcome the Rams in the seed in what remains and some Eagles that could be fighting the wild card on the final day of the championship.
And it is that what plays in favor of the Cowboys is their record against conference rivals. While Green Bay is 8-2, Dallas is 9-1. So any slip by the Packers is going to put Dallas on top if they do their job to perfection.
As for Green Bay, they still have two interesting duels. On the one hand, they will face off with the Vikings at Lambeau Field. While on the last day they will face the Detroit Lions. The latter are 2-2 in their last four games, but they’ve beaten the Vikings and Cardinals, so it’s no small feat.
On the Dallas side, they know the importance of playing at home against an opponent as strong as the Arizona Cardinals. While it is true that they have lowered their level in recent weeks, they are still a team to respect. And as already mentioned, they will look for a way to continue rising both in their division and in the NFC.
Likewise, there is good spirit in the Cowboys when they play in their stadium. Although they have fans everywhere, there is nothing like being in your own field. “It felt good to be back home after the long stretch of road games and to be on the road,” said rookie Micah Parsons after the game against Washington. “Being back and feeling the energy of the fans, you could feel a little extra motivation.”
That’s 13 sacks for @MicahhParsons11! #DallasCowboys
????: #WASvsDAL on NBC
????: https://t.co/RVn6kdfzlm pic.twitter.com/HNU59Q58mE— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2021
Taking into account that they were playing outside for a little over a month, a great result was seen on Sunday night. Especially since their last home game was a bitter loss to the Raiders on Thanksgiving. Of course, it left many doubts in the team at that time.
But the game against Washington has made it clear that the team wants more and is hungry for victory. So they will fight to find that first place in the Conference. Where they would not only have a bye week, but they could also play all the playoffs at AT&T Stadium. “We are getting into position to play at home,” said quarterback Dak Prescott.
Dak Prescott on 11-4 Cowboys coming closer to cementing a top NFC seed: “We’re putting ourselves in position to play at home.” pic.twitter.com/T83KJRZJWm
– Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 27, 2021
“I think everyone wants to play at home,” said head coach McCarthy. “If you look at the environment that we just played in, you have to have it in the biggest games of the year, that’s exactly what we’re looking for. We have done a number of good things that we can build on. And what’s exciting is that we have two more games to go and we have a playoff-type game here with Arizona. “
Certainly these Cowboys are nothing like that 2020 team that didn’t know what to do. It’s good to know that all of McCarthy’s plans for this year’s preseason have paid off. However, there is still work to be done and the team must keep moving forward. It does not depend only on themselves, but if the circumstances arise, the Cowboys could win the first place in the NFC. It’s something that doesn’t look too far-fetched despite how little there is left in the regular season.
