Will the Cowboys silence critics as the No. 2 seed? McCarthy Responds
The Dallas Cowboys were ready to face the most difficult part of their 2023 schedule when December approached. Dallas
finished 8-3, with two of the defeats occurring in the team’s two games versus Philadelphia and San Francisco, the only other
teams with winning records. The other defeat came in a puzzle against a Cardinals squad that had defeated the Eagles the day
before. After that, the club went on a two-game losing streak that caused critics to emerge from everywhere.
However, after a fantastic New Year’s Eve weekend, coach Mike McCarthy’s squad defeated Philly to secure the No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs.
Said McCarthy on Monday here in Frisco at The Star in reflection: “Nothing surprises me,” he said, noting he and his wife
watched Arizona upset the Eagles. “We put ourselves in position to win the division and be the No. 2 seed.
That’s a good place to be.” And on the intensity of Week 17 and Week 18? “The playoffs,” McCarthy said, “have already started.”
Looking back … Beginning with a Nov. 30 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks, the Cowboys would play five consecutive games
against playoff-hopeful teams in Philadelphia, Buffalo, Miami and Detroit. It would be a chance for the Cowboys to prove themselves and show they belong in the conversation with the best in the league.
Now, after that five-game stretch is in the rear-view mirror, the Cowboys look back at a 3-2 record with two road losses to
Buffalo and Miami. Dallas has proven it can play with the other big boys in the league but has created a different narrative in
the process. With all the success the Cowboys have seen at AT&T Stadium over the past two seasons where they ride a 16-game
winning streak, there are now doubts about their ability to win a big game on the road. Now that narrative becomes less important if they can get one more win. With a victory over division-rival Washington in Week 18, the Cowboys will lock in the No. 2 seed in the NFC, meaning they’ll have an opportunity to play at least two playoff games at home.
That opportunity comes thanks to the Eagles’ recent slump and loss on Sunday to the Cardinals.
In anticipation of Washington, Dallas is aiming to be even more healthy; according to McCarthy, nose tackle Johnathan
Hankins “had a good workout today” while recovering from an ankle injury, while guard Tyler Smith “has a chance” to play
despite a torn plantar fascia. With victories over playoff opponents at home, Dallas and coach McCarthy have been able to quiet
the critics—well, maybe not “silence,” but how about “quiet” the critics? Can it achieve a similar outcome with wins on the road?
Is McCarthy going to be “surprised” by any more “surprises”? “To be honest, after going through everything, I just think that’s the National Football League,” he remarked.
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