LANDOVER, Md. – The staff writers of DallasCowboys.com shared their initial feelings of the dramatic comeback over the Redskins.
David Helman: I'm running out of ways to express how I can't explain what I just saw. For what feels like the 12th time in 15 games, the Cowboys took it to the wire in an exasperating, exhilarating finish. It's hard to know who to focus on between DeMarco Murray, Tony Romo, Terrance Williams or the defense. But they all combined to keep the season alive. You could probably argue it shouldn't have come down to such an insane situation. But with this team, that's just the way it's going to be. The roller coaster continues at least one more week.
Rowan Kavner: This was vintage Cowboys. Expect the unexpected with this group, which never makes anything easy. That's both positive and negative, as the consistent inconsistency always makes for dramatic finishes. That's a reason many fans become apathetic watching them, because they can't take the emotional back and forth that's sure to occur week in and week out. The Cowboys found a way to pull through and keep everyone on that rollercoaster yet another week. It wouldn't happen any other way with this team, setting up yet another Week 17 showdown for the division. They'll need to diverge from the past if the third time's a charm and they finally pull off the NFC East title coming off as big a win as the team's had since Jason Garrett's tenure began, complete with an ironic finish on a passing touchdown to the guy everyone clamored to run the ball more often. Expect another nail-biter in yet another win or go home game. It can't happen any other way. [embedded_ad]
Nick Eatman: I really didn't see them getting out of this place with a win and there were countless times when that appeared to hold true. But this team wouldn't die and they deserve credit for that. Nothing was pretty except the final score. I applaud this defense for gutting it out like they did in the second half. And what else can you say about Romo? Every time he's counted out he bounces back. He drives fans crazy but that's who he is. The only thing I really got right about the initial gut was the season wouldn't be over today and it's not. Crazy game with twists and turns but more importantly, they're still alive and will probably be favored to make the playoffs.
Here we're the gut feelings for staff writers Nick Eatman, David Helman and Rowan Kavner, posted Saturday.
David Helman:
It's really easy to hop on the negativity train, considering how the past week has gone for the Cowboys. They don't have a linebacker corps, and their secondary is held together by duct tape. I don't have much doubt Kirk Cousins is going to be the latest backup quarterback to rack up big yardage. With the season in the balance, though, I think Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and DeMarco Murray can step up and carry this team into Week 17. More importantly, I think the offensive line can step up and continue its hot streak. I see another 100-yard effort in Murray, and I think Romo can take advantage of a bad Washington secondary. Michael Spurlock is going to have a valuable return in a key situation, and Dallas is going to win by 10-14 points.
Rowan Kavner:
Hopes are slim right now for a reeling Dallas group after losing two straight games in awful fashion, once just getting picked apart in Chicago and the other by giving a game away to the Packers, but there's a reason the Redskins are a three-win team and have lost their last six. Their situation is worse than the Cowboys' current one. The breadth of Dallas defensive injuries make them look more and more like last year's team, so there aren't a litany of teams I'd pick them to beat, but this is still one. I think the Cowboys go back to what they trust, getting Jason Witten involved early. He'll find the end zone, but the Dallas offense will also find a way to get Cole Beasley at least five catches. The play-calling will still frustrate some, as the Cowboys work to find the best way to handle their recent rushing success, but they'll have success on the ground and through the air before Dan Bailey wins it by a field goal.
Nick Eatman:
My gut for this game isn't so great. Somehow, I have a hard time seeing the Cowboys get out this place with a win. Then again, I really don't think the season and playoff hopes will be over after Sunday. Whatever the Cowboys do, I see the Eagles doing as well, setting up a showdown next week like we all expected. I think the Cowboys can definitely win this game, but I worry about the defense stopping the run, especially if it gets rainy and turns into a sloppy-field game. I don't think you can dismiss the fact Washington has just three wins. A three-win team is a bad team. And while Kirk Cousins can certainly hurt this team, there's a reason they are so bad. So I think this one is close. Somehow I have a hard time picking Dallas, but an even stronger feeling is the Cowboys have something to play for next week, too.
