I have had a tough time predicting this team. I have no idea what we will see tonight.
Combine the randomness of the NFL with the kick in the nuts cowboys and that couldn't be more true.
One thing I thought the team has seemed to do in almost every game since Garrett took over was to not get blown out (with a few exceptions) and compete hard, so I really thought they'd be competitive.
I MIGHT be able to accept the argument that the Sunday game took their legs from them against Philly if Philly didn't look so damn dominate and fresh and if there hadn't been a slow deterioration in the defenses ability to stop teams on 3rd down, the offenses decrease in ability to convert on third down, the decrease in time of possession and the increase in the number of plays the defense was having to play over the preceding 4 games.
I can't buy that a few hours made that big of a difference in their energy and if that was truly the case, then what the hell is Philly doing the Cowboys aren't? It's an indictment on the team even if its accurate.
I think Chip Kellys way of practicing (I've heard it said, he gets double the amount of reps of other teams, even the back ups get reps which you would think would help their depth) increases their fitness, stamina and ability to execute. Kelly also emphasizes sleep, recovery and diet and I think that helps them as well. I don't get the feeling Dallas mgt is innovative or seeking out every conceivable edge they can find to improve their team.
Its also discouraging as hell knowing Philly ran out a back up QB and doesn't even have to commit 16 mill+ to a QB which gives them more cap room for the future and therefore a greater chance of improving and separating from Dallas. (Can you imagine what would have happened if Dallas had to roll out their back up QB?)
Unless Kelly turns out to be the joke a lot of fans seem to think he is, then the Cowboys will likely be trailing them for years to come, and that's not even considering the impact of losing a fragile Romo, which is a virtual certainty in the very near future (months to years, who knows? I'd bet sooner than later).