It’s Time For The Next Step

Ghosts. The perfect word to describe what’s been hanging over this franchises head for the last 23 years. In the 90’s, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls in a four year span, establishing themselves as arguably the greatest dynasty in NFL history. The glory days of Aikman, Emmitt and Irvin have long gone and now it’s time for new Cowboys excellence. The standard has to be re-established.

It’s not like the Cowboys haven’t had great opportunities recently. In 2007, lead by Tony Romo, the team went 13-3 and were the number one seed in the NFC. This was without a doubt their best chance to win a Super Bowl since the 90’s, but it unfortunately ended in a divisional round loss to the eventual champion New York Giants. 2009 saw another division title and an 11-5 record. After a beatdown of the Eagles in the wild card round, they were crushed 34-3 by the Vikings.

2014 they went 12-4, but it will probably go down as the most heartbreaking playoff loss in Cowboys history, the now infamous “Dez Caught It” game vs the Packers at Lambeau Field. To the teams dismay, is wasn’t called a catch and the Cowboys suffered a devastating 26-21 loss. 2016 saw the arrival of Dak and Zeke and a 13-3 season that shocked the NFL. Having the leagues leading rusher and Offensive Rookie of the Year wasn’t enough to get past Rodgers and the Packers again, ending another promising season without even one playoff win.

Why is all this important? Simple, this fan base is filled with a generation of fans that only know playoff heartbreak and disappointment. Only old videos and stories of Super Bowls past. The ridicule of other fans across the NFL landscape, as their teams win titles, and this team only wins headlines. No consistent history of winning, only the failure of unfulfilled expectations, making the want to win even greater as each season passes.

Saturday night is the most important game this team has had since 1995, their last Super Bowl winning season, and also the last time it went further than the second round. No longer can this fan base or players hold on to the past. The 70’s and 90’s are ancient history. It’s time for this era of Cowboys fans to have their moment in the sun. At some point, this organization has to get fed up with being a punchline. We’re talking five Super Bowl titles here and countless Hall of Famers, a rich tradition of success, that somehow came to a standstill. When the Cowboys stroll into Los Angeles to face the Rams, their should be one focus, surviving. No matter the circumstances or what hardships may come, simply advance. Give this fan base something to really believe in again. Strap up the helmets, put your hand in the dirt and man up. The next step needs to be taken, now!

Dak Prescott: The Stage Is Set

No quarterback will have more eyes on him this weekend than Dak Prescott as the Cowboys and Seahawks meet in the NFC wild Card round. After a shaky start to the season, the third year pro finished strong, including a game winning touchdown pass in the season finale. Even with this momentum, Saturday night will be his toughest challenge.

Prescott has turned into the most polarizing player in the NFL. It seems as if weekly there’s a series of highs and lows. Inaccuracy and taking unnecessary sacks can be frustrating to watch. What will help him in this game is that it’s not his first in the postseason. After a 13-3 rookie campaign in 2016, that included winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, he went toe to toe with Aaron Rodgers. Throwing for 302 yards and three touchdowns he showed he had what it took to perform on the playoff stage.

In 2017, the questions began to come about whether he could lead this team. Rightfully so, condersing his touchdowns decreased and interceptions increased by nine. A sophomore slump didn’t exactly have Cowboys fans confident going into the offseason. They cut Dez Bryant in April and failed to add true number one target. The odds where against any third year bounce back for Prescott.

2018 didn’t exactly start off well either as Prescott failed to reach 200 yards in four of the first six games, throwing only seven touchdowns over that span. With the Cowboys acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper, the offense finally found some balance. The team finished 7-2 and made the playoffs, but more importantly, restored some confidence in Dak going forward.

So as we arrive at this crossroads in Dak’s career there’s something he has to realize, the standard of the Cowboys quarterback is just different. No spotlight is bigger, no headline will generate more buzz, than one attached to him. You’re following Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, two multiple time Super Bowl winners. As well as Tony Romo, who shattered the franchises record books. You’re facing Russell Wilson, a Super Bowl Champion, in your back yard. There are no excuses in the playoffs, it’s win or go home. Are you going to rise above adversity? Can you make those four or five throws to win the game? It’s all on you Dak Prescott, the world will be watching.