The New Year has kicked off, and the NFL Playoffs are just right around the corner this season. The Dallas Cowboys have every right to celebrate after the Eagles lost to the Cardinals this past week. With that, Dallas has to win in their season finale against the Commanders to secure the NFC East title.
Not so fast Cowboys fans, just because it’s looking like rainbows and sunshine, doesn’t mean much. There was controversy after their Saturday win against the Detroit Lions which ended in a penalty fiasco. Yes, there was yet another one, but Dallas dodged the bullet.
There are still woes within the organization that need some cleanup before their season finale and in the playoffs. The Cowboys have the willpower to do so, but it’s up to their mentality and wanting it enough for themselves. They have the pieces they need, but it’s up to them to make the noise on the field.
Here are three ways the Dallas Cowboys can take control of their own destiny and secure their 22nd NFC East title and No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
Three Ways the Dallas Cowboys Can Take Charge in the NFC East
The Cowboys Need to Close Out Games
Let’s call it like it is, the Cowboys got bailed out in the last seconds of the game against the Lions. It’s not a bad thing for the short term, but the road may get rocky if officiating does not improve for the NFL. This is more bad than good for Dallas who haven’t found any success in the playoffs. The NFL has no plans to change its procedures in officiating at the moment.
Unfortunately, Things may always change, most likely after the season when it’s too late. This is bad for Dallas since they must control their destiny and as they promised Dallas fans that change can happen. Even that promise has been silent when the team typically has their season ended at least in the divisional round of the playoffs.
However, the Cowboys can re-write that story and close out their games the right way. Fans aren’t sure of this team, especially when Dak Prescott seemed unsatisfied as he walked to the locker after the win against Detroit. Rightfully so, when the defense needed to answer adversity, it fell flat. They have the chance to prove their worth on the road in FedEx Field.
Utilize Your Talent
Dallas finally got back on the same page by utilizing CeeDee Lamb the correct way after struggling to get him the ball with back-to-back losses to Miami and Buffalo. However, the team must get their running game going, since it’s nowhere to be found. It’s not their fault, though due to the multiple injuries that are hitting the offensive line. The Cowboys could consider bringing in Tony Pollard on end-around since he does that speed.
It’s only what they could resort to since it hasn’t been the season that Pollard has expected this year. They have to know that running it up with Pollard down the middle will likely not do much. It’s like what Cowboys fans saw in Ezekiel Elliott last season where he barely had any yards. Unfortunately, Rico Dowdle is dealing with injuries and Deuce Vaughn is only a rookie getting touches when he can.
All is not lost for this Cowboys offense, though, they still have Kavontae Turpin and Brandin Cooks to get in the mix to provide that speed. Cooks have been cooking when he gets the right opportunity, but there hasn’t been a sign of life from Turpin. This is the type of speed that Dallas needs to utilize instead of having Prescott forcibly flinging it down the field to Jake Ferguson or Lamb.
The Cowboys run defense Must Make a Statement
After failing to do so despite the win against the Lions, the Cowboys can change that around. The defense could run the blitz all game long if they want to once they go up against Sam Howell. Howell will likely have some tricks up his sleeve so Dallas could be aggressive. Dallas can cap off their season with a literal bang if they can stop the run and record many sacks.
Remember last season? It didn’t go well for Dallas in their season finale against Washington losing 26-6. Well, that’s something that the Cowboys should avoid and topple the NFC East as Champions.
Main Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
