Now that the Cowboys have done away with many of their demons, they can get ready for the next task at hand--preparing for the Minnesota Vikings. From a coach’s perspective, it’s a relief to focus on what’s ahead instead of worrying about the past. To rid yourself of past demons, you must win as that is the only outcome that allows critics to move on. Beating the Eagles two weeks in a row in such convincing fashion is a mental boost that can only come by actually doing it on the field. No amount of talk can substitute for getting it done. How did they get it done?

It has nothing to do with the playoffs. It has to do with playing a brand of football that wins period. When a team has a kicking game that supplies your team with excellent field position, a defense that stifles the opposing attack and an offense that protects the football, you have the opportunity to win any game, any time. The playoffs add a win-or-go-home mentality, but the basis for winning is still the same. What brings this about?

Routine. Players and coaches are creatures of habit. They like to do the same thing over and over because then they are comfortable in their preparation. Players will come in Monday, workout and rehash the Eagles game, take Tuesday off and come back on Wednesday for the Vikings game-plan. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday is normal on-field preparation. Saturday get on a plane. Sunday play the game. The important thing will be to concentrate and practice at a pace that allows you to enjoy the game experience because you can refer back to your practice and have confidence that regardless of who you play, you will perform well.

Playing the Vikings in their very loud stadium will require poise. They can look at the Saints game and how well they played under that high noise level. They’ll probably even use noise machines at practice to increase concentration. The wins at Philly and New Orleans will assure them that the road is not an obstacle. The Vikings have a terrific defense both against the run and fortified by a potent pass rush. The key here will be the ability to threaten them with a run game that will keep the pass rush at bay, so they can attack a suspect secondary. Minnesota has an offense featuring two of the best in the league. Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre are at the top of their game and present great challenges for our outstanding defense.

Look at the stats after the game and it will probably show that the team with the fewest turnovers has won this game. They are evenly matched so the team with the fewest mistakes will win. There is not a team still playing that the Cowboys can’t beat.

Coach Joe can be heard on KHYI 95.3 on Tuesday nights 7-9pm and on ESPN radio. Come by and say hello at Hat Tricks Sports Bar and Grill in Lewisville. Your home to great sports and great music.