In the mid-afternoon on Sunday, the Cowboys were formally removed from the 2024 NFC playoffs after the Washington Commanders’ upset win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Even 4 hours later on, with lots of time for truth to sink in, Dallas revealed no indications of dejection as it made a hard-fought triumph over the playoff-contending Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
On paper, just one group on Sunday Night Football had something to bet. Tampa entered into the video game with a half-game lead over the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South; an ensured area in January’s playoffs and a first-round home video game to boot. The only thing the Cowboys might achieve by winning was additional harming their 2025 draft choice. The variation in situations would have rationally moved one group over the other, specifically offered the understanding that the Buccaneers were the much better team.
The Cowboys have actually gone 4-1 over their last 5 video games regardless of the constant overcast of a lost season. When they were 3-7 entering into the Week 12 conference in Washington, Dallas’ long-lasting contention for a playoff area felt absolutely nothing more than theoretical. Winning that video game triggered a flurry of “what ifs” and extravagance of hope amongst parts of the fanbase, however reasonably all of us understood that this run-down group and its beleaguered coaches didn’t have the makings of a wonder.
The divide in between possibility and possibility has actually engulfed us for over a month now, making it tough for some to understand how to feel about these probably empty wins. If the Cowboys had actually followed the New York Giants’ course of freely tanking, they may be best behind them in the 2025 draft order. At worst, they ‘d presently hold the seventh choice and have 2 more weeks to enhance that position. After the current wins, Dallas has moved to 15th in the predicted draft order.
As fans, seeing the group and its fortunes from this angle is simple. We’re not the ones with ending agreements or job-threatening wage cap hits. We have no put on next year’s depth chart. Attempt informing Rico Dowdle, Donovan Wilson, or Marist Liufau that these video games are worthless. Attempt informing it to Mike McCarthy, Brian Schottenheimer, or Mike Zimmer. Even if Jerry Jones believes his mind’s comprised about particular gamers or coaches, this is their last possibility to make their pitch for the 2025 season and beyond.
It’s specifically tough to understand how to feel about McCarthy today. If a guy strikes you with his vehicle, do you provide him credit for then driving you to the emergency clinic? Gratitude for the group’s present display screen of heart and durability is required, however does it negate the blame for how the Cowboys fell under this hole in the very first location? Does it bypass 3 years of viewing Dallas get dog-walked in championship game?
The worth of these last 5 video games and the 2 still to come is the chance to discover clearness ahead of the offseason.
