Dallas, TX

A realistic look at Cowboys’ path to playoffs: Could Dallas sneak into final Wild Card?

Published

2 months ago

December 2, 2024

Press Room

A realistic look at Cowboys’ path to playoffs: Could Dallas sneak into final Wild Card?

FRISCO — The Cowboys are tied with San Francisco as the NFC enters the stretch run.

Dallas has a better record than the Cincinnati team it prepares to host on Monday Night Football.

If this scenario had been presented back in September you would have been convinced that the Cowboys were sitting pretty.

Now?

Not so much.

Sure, this modest two-game winning streak has given the team a desperately needed jolt of confidence. It even has Micah Parsons suggesting a playoff run.

Parsons knows how to drop opposing quarterbacks. But his command of the current standings can be called into question.

The problem with having the same record as the 49ers is that 10 teams in the conference have a better record than Dallas and San Francisco at the moment. Seven teams make the playoffs.

The best path to the postseason is to win your division. The Cowboys find themselves five games behind NFC East-leading Philadelphia with five to play.

One more Cowboys loss or one more Eagles win eliminates Dallas from the division race. The only viable path is as a Wild Card. That starts with the division rivalry between Dallas and Washington.

Dallas has the head-to-head advantage here based on their chaotic win nine days ago. But the Commanders currently own a three-game lead in the win column.

Let’s say the Cowboys are somehow able to tie or pass Washington on the final weekend of the regular season when the teams next meet. That would allow Dallas to finish second in the division.

What are they up against at that point?

The NFC North is the most top-heavy division in the NFL. Detroit (11-1), leads the way followed by Minnesota (10-2) and Green Bay (9-3). Those three teams appear to be locks.

If the Cowboys edge past the Commanders — a big if — they will still trail the Vikings and Packers in the Wild Card.

Atlanta and Tampa Bay sit atop the NFC South with 6-6 records.

Seattle leads the NFC West with Arizona and the LA Rams on their heels. Both of those teams have 6-6 records.

The best-case scenario is that Dallas secures the seventh and final playoff spot in the conference. To do that, the Cowboys must pass Washington and the second-place finishers in the South and West.

A daunting task is a kind way to characterize what the Cowboys face in December. Still, going into the month with a two-game winning streak is better than the alternative.

Head coach Mike McCarthy welcomed his players back to The Star on Monday after a three-day break. After getting back into their strength and conditioning work, the players departed for their annual December visit of area hospitals.

The team is off Tuesday and has a light workout on Wednesday — McCarthy said it will be about 60-65% of a normal workout — before hitting a normal practice week on Thursday.

“I feel it’s real important to try to make this a mini-bye for what’s in front of us,’’ McCarthy said. “That’s what I’ve learned over my experience of playing on Thanksgiving, so that’s really what we’re trying to accomplish.’’

And the mindset?

“It’s great,’’ Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin said after his visit to Children’s Health in Dallas. “To come out with two wins, especially on Thanksgiving, it’s huge for our football team moving forward to give us some confidence, give us some momentum.’’

Oh, one more scenario. What happens in the unlikely event the Cowboys and Niners finish in a two-way tie for the final Wild Card spot.

San Francisco advances.

Happy Holidays.

Catch David Moore and Robert Wilonsky as they co-host Intentional Grounding on The Ticket (KTCK-AM 1310 and 96.7 FM) every Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. through the Super Bowl.

Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN

Cowboys give back! See photos from team’s annual visit to children’s hospital

Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.

Source link

Related Topics:Cowboys Dallas Cowboys Featured

Click to comment

Dallas, TX

Cowboys officially interview assistant coach leaving fans unimpressed

Published

8 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Press Room

Cowboys officially interview assistant coach leaving fans unimpressed

The Dallas Cowboys head coaching search is heating up, but Cowboys Nation is giving a lukewarm response to the moves.

Dallas’ search for a new head coach started with a bang when the team was linked to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado Buffaloes rockstar coach Deion Sanders, but it has since returned candidates that aren’t moving the needle.

In recent days, the Cowboys have interviewed former offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who is now leading the Philadelphia Eagles offense, and Leslie Frazier, along with a solid choice in Robert Saleh.

MORE: Cowboys, Jerry Jones have ‘love & respect’ for darkhorse HC candidate

And the latest interviewee is leaving fans even more unimpressed.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cowboys are set to interview offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.

Dak Prescott, Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer watch a play in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. / Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Rapoport said, “Well-respected in the building, Schottenheimer has been an OC for more than a decade. Intriguing option to take the next step.”

MORE: Jerry Jones’ plan for next Dallas Cowboys head coach becoming clearer

A Schottenheimer hire would be incredibly underwhelming for Dallas and Cowboys Nation, but he brings something that Jerry Jones values: familiarity.

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys, Brian Schottenheimer

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott talks with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during training camp. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Jerry Jones could also influence Schottenheimer to have Jason Witten added to the staff as a head coach-in-waiting, which was reportedly his plan with Mike McCarthy before contract negotiations stalled.

So, buckle up Cowboys fans, cause the team could be heading towards more of the same.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —

4 reasons Cowboys should hire Kellen Moore as next head coach

4 RB free agents the Dallas Cowboys could target this offseason

These former Cowboys will be playing in the AFC, NFC Championships

Dallas Cowboys pick College Football Playoff hero in latest NFL mock draft

Is Robert Saleh really better than Mike McCarthy for Dallas Cowboys?

Meet Sophy Laufer: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc

Source link

Dallas, TX

Preview: January 21 at Dallas | Carolina Hurricanes

Published

16 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Press Room

Preview: January 21 at Dallas | Carolina Hurricanes

DALLAS – After an overtime victory in Chicago last night, the Carolina Hurricanes seek to pick up a third win in a row as they visit the Dallas Stars on Tuesday.

–

When: Tuesday, January 21

Puck Drop: 8:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN+, Hulu

Listen: 99.9 The Fan, Hurricanes App

Odds at Time of Publishing, via Fanatics Sportsbook: Canes +105

–

Canes Record: 28-16-3 (59 Points, 2nd – Metropolitan Division)

Canes Last Game: 4-3 Win (OT) over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, Jan. 20

–

Stars Record: 29-16-1 (59 Points, 3rd – Central Division)

Stars Last Game: 4-1 Win over the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday, Jan. 19

Source link

Dallas, TX

Daniel Gafford Makes a Statement Amid Dallas Mavericks Trade Rumors

Published

23 hours ago

January 20, 2025

Press Room

Daniel Gafford Makes a Statement Amid Dallas Mavericks Trade Rumors

While the Dallas Mavericks don’t intend to trade Daniel Gafford, according to recent reports, his name has been thrown into the rumblings of trade rumors. The club acquired him at the trade deadline a season ago, and he was essential in their run to the NBA Finals.

With his name being hot in trade rumors, Gafford made a statement on Monday. With a full slate of games being played all day, the Mavericks had an early contest against the Charlotte Hornets.

Dallas suffered a brutal 110-105 loss as the return of Luka Doncic can not come soon enough. Still, Gafford made a loud statement, scoring a career-high.

In 34 minutes played, Gafford scored 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting while pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking seven shots.

Simply put — the Mavericks center made a statement. He proved his value by posting a career-high in points scored, even if the team took a brutal loss.

Given the injury history of second-year center Dereck Lively, having a backup like Gafford capable of coming into the starting lineup and making such a massive impact would certainly have to make the Mavericks front office think twice about a trade.

For the time being — don’t expect a Gafford trade. His impact proved even further that it could be a mistake from the club, too.

However, given how much success the team has had with in-season moves in years past might lend a hand that they could be making a move.

READ MORE: Despite Loss to Hornets, Mavs Made Right Decision Letting Former First-Round Pick Go

Stick with MavericksGameday for more coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the NBA offseason.

Follow Kade Kimble on Twitter.

Source link