From their successful record, they inherited a tougher schedule this season. The wheels came off. Next year, maybe.
Originally Posted by Ramjet
The schedule is the schedule; that's really not the main culprit per Dallas' current win-loss woes.
Suspensions (ie: Hardy and McClain) and injuries (ie:Scandrich, Dunbar, Romo and Bryant) have had much more to do with their dilemma. That (AND) lack of quality depth per the key skill possession players that are MIA (WR and QB).
Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley have both suffered in their individual performances during Romo's (and Dez's) absence. These injuries have exposed Dallas' warts and blemishes on both sides of the ball even more so.
The defensive effort vs Seattle (ie: holding the Seahawks to 13 points) was wasted by Dallas. Injuries are to blame, yes (however) blame needs to be shouldered directly by Garrett and Linnehan, as well, for this recent loss.
Truth: Hardy's interception; setting up shop for the offense at the 15 yard line, was the time to be aggressive and throw the ball "Into The Endzone" (and they chose the conservative route and ran 3 straight times.....and settled for another Bailey field goal).
Playing it "safe"....simply said.....got them beat. The hangover of 3 INT's vs the Giants the week before.....got them beat.
Truth: Garrett didn't trust Weeden....and he doesn't trust Cassel.
This Sunday evening's game vs the Iggles (yes, I'll say it) is a Must Win Game.
If I'm Chip Kelley and the Iggles DC, I'm gambling with a wide open defensive attack: gap blitzing the Cowboy's O-line 50%-plus of the time. I'm stopping MacFadden in the backfield if he has the ball and on pass plays forcing Cassel to unload the ball under 2 seconds.....to a receiving corps I'm betting can't get open in that time.