The Stats:
Regular Season Record: 13-3
Last Six Games: 4-2
All-Time Playoff Record: 32-23
Cowboys' Previous Playoff Results
The Team:
Team Colors: Royal Blue, Navy Blue, Metallic Silver Blue, and White
Head Coach: Wade Phillips
Owner: Jerry Jones
Mascot: Rowdy
Location: Irving, Texas
Offensive Ranking:
Run: 17th (109.1)
Pass: 4th (256.6)
Overall: 3rd (365.7)
Points Per Game: 2nd (28.4)
Key Player: Tony Romo
If not for Tom Brady, Romo could have drawn some consideration for NFL MVP this season. As it is, he's no doubt the Cowboys most valuable player, setting franchise records in passing yards and touchdowns.
A thumb injury hampered him over the final weeks of the regular season, and he simply made more poor throws late in the year than he did early on. It's important he get back on track quickly. His ability to buy time in and out of the pocket makes him dangerous to defend, and allows time for big plays to develop.
Defensive Ranking:
Run: 6th (94.6)
Pass: 13th (213.1)
Overall: 9th (307.6)
Points Per Game: 13th (20.3)
Key Player: Demarcus Ware
Ware doesn't make a lot of headlines, but he is emerging as one of the premier linebackers in the league. What makes him especially valuable to Wade Phillips defense is his knack for making big plays on a consistent basis. He is as good as anyone in the NFL, perhaps better, at making plays behind the line of scrimmage.
Turnovers:
Give Aways: 24
Take Aways: 29
Outlook:
Earlier in the season, the Cowboys hung tough with the Patriots until the end of the game, so they've shown they have the ability to play with anyone. They need a healthy Terrell Owens and a rejuvenated Tony Romo, however, to get things steaming back in the right direction. This team may have peaked just a little early, but they're certainly as balanced and as talented as anyone in the NFC.
