12:35 PM ET  12.26 | The Cowboys started this year off like gangbusters, beating the defending world champion New York Giants 24-17. The following week, they got routed by an up and coming Seattle Seahawks team 27-7. Without going through the entire schedule, the 'Boys were in disarray for the majority of the season, suffering one injury after another to key components of their team, especially the defense. Sept 25th...Placed S Barry Church on Injured Reserve. Oct 24th.....Placed LB Sean Lee and P Chris Jones on IR. Nov 8th......Placed LB Orie Lemon on IR Nov 12th....Placed DE Kenyon Coleman on IR. Nov 26th....Placed LB Bruce Carter and WR Danny Coale on IR. Dec 5th......Placed C Phil Costa on IR. Dec 8th......Placed CB Orlando Scandrick on IR. Dec 12th....Placed Josh Brent on the reserve/non-football illness list, meaning he's not injured, but unlikely to return to active duty. The 'Boys signed free agents, street players, practice squad people, whoever from wherever, to fill these slots vacated by players sent to IR. The offense finally started playing like they should have at the beginning, but the defense suffered, and is still suffering. Be that as it may, they can still win the NFC East simply by beating the Redskins. Undoubtedly, they will have to match scores, then outscore, to have any semblance of a chance. With that being said, I like their chances come next season, regardless of whether they make the playoffs this year or not. These players they signed to replace the starters, will have some game experience, and will be more familiar with the way they do things in Arlington. It's a common saying in the NFL that "injuries are not an excuse", but they are. You cannot compete with the best, if your team is playing with people they've had to sign off the street. Injuries are an excuse. Ask the Pittsburgh Steelers, or any number of teams having to make do with back ups, and street players because their starters are out for a number of games, or the year.