The Dallas Cowboys have finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, the NFC East Championship and the number 3 seed in the NFC playoffs. Many people don’t consider the regular season to mean much. They say the playoffs are the only thing that matters. Those people are out of touch with reality. We get so focused on the Cowboys that we don’t think about how this franchise compares to most others around the league. What were the aspects of this season to remember?

First, it was the off-season decisions to get rid of the “me first” guys. Good move. This year’s team showed that they were together, never turning on each other or the coaches when things didn’t go their way. They believed in themselves when the media constantly dug away on issues that were meaningful only to themselves.

The development of young talent was a bright spot for this team. On offense, the emergence of Miles Austin was maybe the most important development. From a third or fourth man on the depth chart to a pro bowl selection added a dimension that was greatly needed due to the non productivity of Roy Williams. The continued development of Tony Romo played a key role in the consistency of the team. Excellent skill, improved protection of the football and noticeable leadership allowed Romo to have as good of a year as any QB in the league.

On Defense, Mike Jenkins progressed to being one of the better corners in the game. His development, along with Jay Ratliff and Anthony Spencer, made the defense a true force that finished the season with back-to-back shutouts for the first time in franchise history. This kind of defensive play gives the Cowboys a chance to win any game. The top draftee from a suspect draft--kicker David Buehler! The field position derived from his KO’s helped the defense, which in turn helped the offense. Along with vastly improved coverage units, this made a winning combination.

Now the playoffs and a return visit by the Eagles. OK, the question you will hear all week will be, “Can a team beat another team three times during a season?” Answer: Yes! Since the merger, this situation has been presented 19 times and the team with two wins has been victorious 12 of the times. Expect the Eagles to play better than they did last week. If they do so, this should be a closer game. I don’t see 24-0, but I do see a Cowboy victory because the kicking game has been very good, the Offense has taken care of the football and the Defense has been outstanding. Continue this and they get rid of the playoff drought. This has been a very entertaining, productive year for this team and now the second season begins. Enjoy!

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.