Dead Man Walking

Have you noticed how different it is this week? Normally, there's all the smack talk from guys giving guarantees about how great the Cowboys are going to play. And of course, some speaking for the opponent's side saying how badly the Cowboys will get beaten. But not this week. Oh, there's one or two that have voiced their wishes, but if you look at the way they word it, they don't sound too convinced themselves.

This is the first real test for this team, in my opinion. A real playoff contender that's not where they are because they played a bunch of losing teams. These guys earned their 9-0 record by being dominant in their games. While their defense isn't the best, they are a far cry from the worst. And their offense is simply superb. The Dallas Cowboys had better bring their A+ game to this one, folks, or there's going to be no joy in Mudville this weekend.

Notice how quiet it is. The volume of messages has dropped drastically this week. It's almost like a wake. Everyone know's there's going to be a funeral and a burial. And they know it's inevitable. The only solace is we're not sure at this point who's going to get buried. But if most of us were betting serious money on it, most of us would be betting on Dallas to lose.

And the waiting is awful on this one. I want this game to be over and done so we can see what we're truly dealing with for this season. I've said earlier that I think this game is going to be the pivotal game for this season for the Dallas Cowboys. If they win, confidence rises, their standings improve, etc. If they lose, I think it'll knock the wind out of their sails and they'll finish at absolute best, 9-7 and not make the playoffs.

This is THE game. Their earlier games have vaulted this game to that status. This is the Cowboys' SuperBowl. If they win, then make the playoffs and go to the real SuperBowl, then they can accurately say they played two SuperBowls this season. Winning this one is everything. Losing this one will result in an unsuccessful season, in my opinion. The other six games after this one will matter little, should the Cowboys lose this one.

I know I'll hear the arguments that the season isn't over just because of this game, yada yada yada. All I can say is wait and see what happens if they lose this one. There'll be the meltdown. It's a psychological thing. Why fight to get into the playoffs if you're going to eventually wind up playing the Colts, or a team good enough to beat the Colts when you couldn't, in the SuperBowl? I think there will be guys that start slacking up, figuring they're going to get paid regardless and thinking that even if they get to the playoffs, they aren't going far.

No, this game is THE game. There are no others after this one if they lose. Consider the final 6 as practice games for next season.

Now, if the Dallas Cowboys win, their remaining schedule will suddenly look winnable. All of it. Beating the 9-0 Colts will be a shot in the arm that can last through January and beyond. If they beat the Colts, I wouldn't be surprised if they win 5 more of the six remaining. And depending on which teams they beat, they might wind up with the NFC East crown. And a bye week in the playoffs.

This one's it, folks. THE game. If they win it, it's skyrocket time. If they lose, it's over.

Someone put on some coffee. We have a long time before the hearse arrives. . . .