For the last 3 weeks all you have heard is how the Cowboys are dead. That they won't be going to the playoffs. Throwdowns and Blogs have been stating this as if it is a fact. Sadly, those who have said this including many sportswriters have been oblivious to the facts.

Before injuries to Romo, Felix Jones, and 1/2 their secondary. They were 4-2. With a 2pt loss to their rival and an overtime loss to a 7-3 team that is undefeated at home. Romo was the 2nd rated qb with an offense averaging nearly 30pts a game. The question was defense.

Now Dallas went into Washington who was 6-3, had Portis and their running game, had already beaten Dallas and people just thought it was going to be the Skins. But even a rusty Romo proved to be the spark needed. And put one thing to rest- Romo again proved he can win big games (1st win in Washington). 

His ability to throw the ball beyond 10 yards (sorry Brad Johnson) meant teams had to play straight-up. No more 8 in the box to stop Barber. The result was 114yards for Barber and a TD. Romo back meant  creativity was back ,as evident, with his shuffle pass on a key 3rd yard pass to keep a drive alive that resulted in the go ahead score. Roy Williams also made some key 1st down catches. The real difference was even though Dallas had only 14 points and 2 drives in first half end with turnovers deep in Washington territory..there were drives.

So many people just do not get that offenses matter when it comes to a team's defensive performance.  The ability to drive, keep the ball, and rest a defense. It was vital and after a td on redskin's opening drive they had only 3 points the rest of the way.

The return of Newman was also key. From an INT deep in their own territory or deflecting a 4th and 4 late in the 4th he provided energy and finally ended the need to start 2 rookie corners. Now Dallas is 6-4 tied for 2nd in the east. Yes Tampa is a game ahead but note Brad Johnson's one win means Big D has the tiebreaker with them if it comes to that.

For now Atlanta, Dallas, and Washington are tied at 6-4 for the 2nd wildcard spot. Nice for Dallas is the fact that the next two are home games against 49rs and Seattle.

Looks like Dallas is alive and well. I think most of the folks calling them dead were just hoping it to be so.