The Silence Ends

OK, I've been quiet while the post season trades were going on, but now that we see the schedule for the next season, I felt like I should end my silence. Here's my opinion of how the season will go. These aren't predictions, as it were. These are just my opinions and expectations, based on the knowledge I have at this moment regarding the Cowboys and upcoming opponents. Your mileage may vary.


Sept. 9, NY Giants - 7:15 p.m. (KXAS/5)

This one could go either way. I would say Dallas has the advantage because of home field but between these two teams, that hasn't historically been true. The Cowboys haven't come out swinging in several years either. But I'll pick this one for Dallas.

Sept. 16 at Miami - 3:05 p.m. (KDFW/4

Weather should be beautiful, Cowboys should feel good after beating the Giants. I give this one to the Cowboys, too.

Sept. 23, at Chicago - 7:15 p.m. (KXAS/5)

Chicago will improve their offense during the offseason. Cowboys will still be finding their groove. Hometown crowd will help the Bears. Chicago wins this one.

Sept. 30, St. Louis - Noon (KDFW/4)

The Rams will still be looking for an identity. Cowboys wins this one at home.

Oct. 8, at Buffalo - 7:30 p.m. (ESPN).

It's a shame Bledsoe isn't still on the roster. He'd enjoy this one. It'll still be early enough that weather shouldn't be an issue. Cowboys should get this one.

Oct. 14, New England - 3:15 p.m. (KTVT/11)

By this point in the season, Romo should be in sync with his offense. But the Patriots will be ready and capable. Cowboys lose this one.

Oct. 21, Minnesota - Noon (KDFW/4)

The only thing that would make the Vikings' quarterback issues worse would be if they could coax Quincy Carter out of his forced retirement. Cowboys win this one.

Oct. 28, bye week

Nov. 4, at Philadelphia - 7:15 p.m. (KXAS/5)

This is the 8th game of the season. Philadelphia will be tough. Owens wanted to put on a show for us last year in Philly. Philly packed his lunch for him and sent him home with no cookies. Philly wins this one.

Middle of the season, Cowboys are 5-3

Nov. 11, at NY Giants - 3:15 p.m. (KDFW/4)

The Cowboys, reeling after the Philly loss will go to New York and right the ship. Cowboys win this one.

Nov. 18, Washington - Noon (KDFW/4)

It's still November. The Cowboys should win this one.

Nov. 22, NY Jets - 3:15 p.m. (KTVT/11)

Thanksgiving Day, at home, Cowboys should be sitting at 7-3 going into this game. It'll be a war, but Cowboys will prevail.

Nov. 29, Green Bay - 7:15 p.m. (NFLN)

Thank God it's not in Green Bay at the end of November. Cowboys should win this one.


As the Cowboys head into December, they sit at 9-3. Now for the December Meltdown.


Dec. 9, at Detroit - Noon (KDFW/4)

If this was the last game of the season, I'd say Detroit wins. But Dallas will win this one. 10-3

Dec. 16, Philadelphia - 3:15 p.m. (KDFW/4)

Philly comes to a Dallas team that's looking for revenge for the previous loss to the Eagles this season. Dallas won't get that revenge. Eagles win this one. 10-4

Dec. 22, at Carolina - 7:15 p.m. (NFLN) Carolina wins this one. They owe the Cowboys one from last year. 10-5

Dec. 30, at Washington - Noon (KDFW/4)

Oh crap! It is December this time! Cowboys need the win for playoff positioning. Washington is out of the "tournament". Redskins win this one.

Dallas ends the season 10-6.

Is this what I want? Nope. But it's what I expect. Now, if they shock me and get a handle on that December Meltdown thing after 12 seasons of it, things could be different.

I'd hold up ordering those SuperBowl champ Cowboys caps for this season, too. I think they'll make it into the playoffs, although at 10--6, they very well could be doing the wildcard thing again. If they make it into the playoffs, I won't venture at this point to dream of coming up with an expectation of how they'll do.

No, this isn't the SuperBowl year either. New coaches, new schemes, etc will affect the early games. The December Meltdown affects the latter games. There isn't enough in the middle to make up for it. They'll be a bit better than average, but the glory days haven't returned yet.

Rod