It’s difficult to zero in on one particularly interesting storyline this Sunday. After weeks of breaking down key matchups, laying out compelling narratives and discussing long-term ramifications, the Cowboys find themselves in a no-win situation in Week 17.
Already eliminated from the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t playing for much these days. Last week against the red-hot Buccaneers Dallas proved their pride, perseverance and discipline in their 26-24 upset win. It was a potential turning point game for CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons, with the two superstars stepping up big in both character and leadership. In a way it was a high point for Dallas this season, and with Lamb now out for the year, it doesn’t leave much else to prove for Week 17.
Playing the spoiler always holds some value and there’s no better team to spoil than that of the Eagles. But spoiling the Eagles may also help other rivals like Washington, Green Bay and Detroit, so how much fun would beating the Eagles really be and would that justify the ramifications in the draft?
For as much as sports purists want to avoid the topic, there is a significant cost that comes with winning on Sunday. It could mean dropping as many as three draft spots. Presumably picking in the teens, that drop could be significant since there may be as few as 14 players graded as first round talents this draft cycle.
What Sunday’s matchup with Eagles offers is a good opportunity to weigh the legitimacy of the Cowboys’ improved play. Philadelphia is a highly talented football team, even without Jalen Hurts in the lineup. Back when the Cowboys were busy cutting costs the last two offseasons, the Eagles were busy loading up. Now nearly every corner of the Eagles’ roster is rock solid, meaning many of the Cowboys’ starters will have their work cut out for them.
Testing Dallas’ offensive line against a solid defensive line such as Philadelphia’s will be must-see-TV in film review. The Eagles highly talented secondary against the Cowboys’ underachieving pass catchers will be extremely helpful in offseason roster building decisions as well.
How players perform in their individual matchups will either legitimize the Cowboys recent success or expose it as nothing more than success against inferior opponents. Week 17 has taken on preseason appearance in this way. The final score isn’t as important as the individual assessments made across the roster.
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