It is time to put-up, or shut up. The Cowboys are up against the ropes and will need to fight their way back into playoff contention. With a (3-5) record, Dallas will need to go (7-1) or (6-2) in their final 8 games in order to be playing football in January. Despite the need to be nearly perfect down the stretch, the Cowboys still can see the light at the end of the tunnel because of their schedule. Of their remaining 8 games, only the Pittsburgh Steelers are currently above .500. This Sunday, Dallas will look to land their first punch against the (3-5) Philadelphia Eagles. When asked his opinion on if he thinks his team is desperate, Head coach Jason Garrett told reporters at his Wednesday press conference:
“I wouldn’t say that at all,” … “ You’ve heard me use the word urgent a lot around here. We believe in urgency 365 days out of the year and that’s where we are right now.
Sunday’s Cowboys, Eagles match up will feature two teams who have under performed to there preseason expectations. Like Dallas, Philadelphia was expected to be one of the best teams in the NFC. However, because of turnovers and injuries they too find themselves fighting for their playoff lives. The Eagles have already fired Defensive Coordinator Juan Castillo. Now there are rumors of blood in the water and sharks circling around the job of Head Coach Andy Reid – who is standing by quarterback Mike Vick. According to reports from multiple media outlets, Mike Vick’s job is just as much up in the air as Reid’s. 
On the other hand, with growing rumors of Sean Payton replacing Jason Garrett, the Cowboys season and potentially Garrett’s job rests on the right arm of Tony Romo. He is their quarterback, leader and the one player with the potential to carry this team to the playoffs. If the last two games are any indicator, Romo MUST have the ball in his hands for the Cowboys offense to function, especially with DeMarco Murray sidelined with a foot injury.
Forget all of the turnovers; the Cowboys offense functions best when Romo is in charge. To this point, the Cowboys running game has been a disappointment. In the last two weeks, they have totaled just 84 rushing yards. However, against the Giants, Romo threw the ball 63 times for 437 yards. He brought the Cowboys back from the 23 – 0 abyss and gave them a chance to win the game.
In addition, Sunday night against the Falcons, Romo went 25-35 for 321 yards and 1 touchdown. The Cowboys lone scoring drive came on a 78 yards – no huddle effort where Romo picked apart the Falcons defense. Until Murray comes back, Dallas has no choice but to turn to Romo.
Sunday afternoon’s Cowboys vs. Eagles game was marked in the preseason as a potential a battle for first place in the NFC East. Now, it is a game where the loser won’t just lose a football game. They will lose a chance at the playoffs and maybe even their head coach.
