It is safe to assume that every Cowboys fan knows how important it is for this team to win on Sunday against the Eagles. The question that we fans should ask ourselves is simply, just how much is at stake here? Yes, the obvious is known that the Cowboys have an opportunity to win the division with a win against those pesky Eagles on Sunday. But does this team truly grasp the redemptive possibility that lies within their grasp?
Let’s start with last season: 44-6. I imagine most of the players will take the high road by avoiding any mention of seeking revenge for the embarrassment that took place against those Eagles last season. We all remember what was at stake with that game; I’m sure many of us recall the anger and bitter disappointment that ensued as well as the shock that many of us possessed when Jerry maintained his stance on supporting Wade Phillips as head coach for the team. Fast forward to now: despite the hiccups that inevitably lead to our five losses, the Cowboys not only control their destiny, but also hold a golden opportunity to seek vengeance and redeem themselves from the debacle that took place in Philadelphia. But, I think this game has more significance than just seeking redemption for last season.
Prior to Sunday's game, we are coming to the close of a decade. When analyzing the Cowboys this past decade, one can recall the tumultuous Campo years that ensued, followed by a mediocre Parcells era that helped establish the foundation of this current team, and now the Wade Phillips era, where we have witnessed consecutive winning records, yet only to fall short in the post season. Players have come and gone: from Quincy Carter to Bledsoe, Keyshawn to TO, and Roy Williams for another Roy Williams. When reminiscing about it all, only one thing has consistently remained the same throughout the decade: the Eagles have been the Achilles heel of the Dallas Cowboys.
A thorn in the Cowboys side, the Eagles have always seemed to have gotten the better of this team many times in the past decade. The Cowboys have lost 13 out of 18 meetings since 2000. In fact, the Cowboys have swept the Eagles only once in this entire decade (during the 2005 season). As much as a Cowboys fan would hate to admit it, the Eagles have been very successful against this team. The Eagles own many playoff appearances (though they’re several failed NFC championships as well as one failed super bowl) and despite the criticism of McNabb and Andy Reid, they both have consistently elevated their team to competitive grounds that the Cowboys have failed to achieve in 13 seasons.
So why does all this matter? Because, as we are about to close a chapter on this decade, there would be nothing more satisfying than seeing our beloved Cowboys ending this decade on a high note, by stealing the NFC East from those pesky Eagles on Sunday followed by knocking them out of the playoffs all together. If not, not only will the Eagles once again get the best of the Cowboys to end this decade, but it may essentially cost the job of several individuals in the organization, prepelling many more questions and a great deal of mystery when heading into next season (and decade).
So, the question is, can this Cowboys team and its coaches rise to the challenge by defeating the Eagles twice (should the Cowboys play them the following week)? If they are successful enough to win this Sunday and claim the division, will they be successful enough to face those Eagles in the post season the following week AND win? I’ll admit, though our team is on a current hot streak, the past 13 years have not been kind to this team. It is very difficult for one team to beat a divisional rival three times in a season. Think back to 2007 when the Cowboys swept the Giants, only to lose to them when it truly mattered in the post season. It will be a difficult task, but if the Cowboys prevail, I foresee them being a fearful powerhouse to be reckoned with.
My personal disdain for the Eagles has grown to immeasurable feats because of how many times they have gotten the best of this team. I believe the reasons explained make beating the Eagles all the more important. Not only to redeem that 44-6 fiasco but to also turn the tide and reclaim all that has been against us for most of the decade. I truly hope this Cowboys team grasps the opportunity they currently have. May it motivate them to rise to the task, knock the Eagles off of the pedestal that they have stood on for so long, and rip out their hearts by defeating them again the following week. That, I believe, will put to rest what has been a tumultuous decade by ending it on a high note.
Of course, a super bowl appearance would be truly fantastic, but let’s take one step at a time.
Will Cowboys Take Advantage of Golden Opporunity?