ARLINGTON, Texas _ For the third time in the last five years, the Dallas Cowboys will play in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.
Here are my thoughts on the Cowboys defeating the Seattle Seahawks, 24-22, on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium:
1. The Cowboys' defense showed it had a chance to be elite early in the season. It seemed to cement that by shutting down Drew Brees and the Saints. The unit proved it again Saturday night against the Seahawks. The Cowboys came up with big stop after big stop. In particular, the front seven was swarming. Maliek Collins and Antwaun Woods were outstanding up the middle. DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory made big plays rushing the passer. Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch were swiping and howling often.
2. Dak Prescott again was clutch in the fourth quarter. Regardless of how things look early in the game, Prescott continues to come up big when it matters most. He had the poor throw that turned into the interception. But he bounced back quickly, turning in a huge run to pick up the first down and then finished it off with the rushing score. Prescott finished with one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.
Ezekiel Elliott summed up Prescott's night best in the Fox postgame interview: "It's simple, he's a grown-ass man. He led us to this win tonight."
3. As clutch as Prescott was, Elliott is this team's heartbeat. The Cowboys usually go as Zeke goes, and he was going Saturday night. Elliott turned in the biggest rushing day of the season against Seattle, going for 137 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Elliott touched the ball a total of 30 times. Expect just as many, if not more, against their next opponent. They'll go as far as Elliott can carry them.
4. There was a time when we didn't know if Tavon Austin would return this season from his groin injury. Behind the scenes, he continued to bring energy to the team. It was visible in the locker room and during practice. He provided energy on the field against Seattle. He had a huge punt return in the second half to jump-start the offense. He might have had a touchdown on another return that was called back by a questionable holding call in the first half. The Cowboys haven't gotten much from the return game this season. Austin may be changing that at the perfect time.
5. What's next? The Cowboys will wait to see if the Eagles can beat the Bears on Sunday. If they can, Dallas will travel to Los Angeles to play the Rams next weekend. If the Bears win at home, the Cowboys will travel to New Orleans next weekend. Their chances are much better in LA. Half the crowd will probably be Cowboys fans. You really don't want to have to play the Saints in the Superdome in the postseason. Brees is deadly there. Plus, the Saints are anxious for some revenge. I know it will be difficult, but if you're a Cowboys fan, you should root for the Eagles on Sunday.
