The team was supposed to have upwards of 10 losses. Last night was supposed to be the beginning of the end. But then, the opposite happened, as the Philadelphia faithful looked on in bewilderment and the Cowboys contingent celebrated an unorthodox, yet exuberant December moment.
In saving their season and perhaps putting themselves on the precipice of winning the division for the first time since 2009, Romo and the Cowboys showed the kind of backbone and efficiency that has eluded them for years. In an era where the team is often overhyped and overshadowed because of the 90s teams, the boys lived up to the hype for once and dismissed their East rivals in dramatic fashion.
But, the team must quickly put this win behind them, as they still have no room for error. Finishing with the same record as Philly won't win the division, and tying several other teams for the wild card would result in another missed playoffs.
Before they tackle the last two games and try and finally break through in late December, let's reflect on some of the highlights and surprises of this season:
The Seattle Game
Say what you will about the game being close and Seattle having some locker room issues, but the Boys did something only one other team has done in the last two years: go into Seattle and win. And, if not for special teams, they would've won handily.
As the game that cost me my survivor pool, I can tell you that I was as surprised as anyone at this result. It was the kind of game that can jumpstart a team, and I believe it did just that. Quality wins are hard to come by in this league, and Dallas earned every bit of this one.
JJ Watt: Come at me bro?
It was one of the most scary-looking plays that developed this year for Cowboys fans. The best defender in the land rushing Romo unabated, as broken bones flashed before my eyes. Then, in Romo fashion, he spun away from Watt and connected with Terrance Williams for a long touchdown. It was a defining moment of brilliance that sent shockwaves through the media and the Romo haters.
The Boys Play Defense?
The Cowboys had the worst defense in football last year, and quite possibly, one of the worst in the history of the game. And, when they invested mostly in offensive linemen during the draft, we all thought they'd be just as bad this year. Throw in Sean Lee's season-ending injury and DeMarcus Lawrence's 10-game injury, and we all thought there was no hope.
Then, the season started and the tide began to turn. When Dallas signed retired linebacker Rolando McClain, we scoffed. But, he has truly been the anchor of this team, and guys have fed off his tenacity. Not enough praise can be given to Rob Marinelli, who has somehow found the wherewithal to bring out the right combination of passion and purpose out of this defense.
Both Philly Games
The first Philly game was an enormous bummer, and sent many to believe that the Cowboys were done for. But, that thrashing on Turkey Day can best be described as "fuel" and "fortitude" to learn, reflect and come back in full force.
Last night's game was the ultimate revenge that left a sweet taste in the mouth of fans that is so rarely felt in December.
The Injury and the Return
When Romo went down against Washington, we all thought gloom and doom. When he returned to the game and looked more like Ryan Leaf than himself, we winced. After the loss and then a loss to Arizona without him, things looked bleak.
After his return, Romo has won four of the last five games with two broken ribs, displaying the type of leadership and toughness that any fan should want out of their quarterback. Can we finally put to bed the bad quarterback bashing? The man is a good quarterback, and deserves some credit.
The Last Hurrah
The final two games will ultimately decide if this season was a success or failure. As a fan, I feel fortunate that they are meaningful, and more importantly, that the team is playing sound football and not just limping by to week 17.
But, this is exactly how they should have been playing all along. They certainly have the talent to make a run. Let's hope that talent finally equates to results that really matter. Go Cowboys!
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