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Cowboys make no apologies for being in playoff hunt
Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys aren't shying away from their current reality. They might be 3-8 and in last place in the NFC East, but they somehow remain in the playoff chase -- at least mathematically.
A victory Monday night over the first-place, but 5-6, Washington Redskins combined with a New York Giants loss and the Cowboys could be a game out of first with four games to play.
"This is a wacky division," cornerback Brandon Carr said. "We're fortunate, right now, to still be able to do some things. It's up to us to take care of our own business and let the rest of the division handle itself.
"We have an opportunity to see the leader [Washington] twice before it's all said and done, so we have to make sure we take advantage of this situation Monday night and find a way to get a win."
That would mean someone other than Tony Romo starting and winning a game for the Cowboys. Romo, who's expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a fractured collarbone, is 3-1 as starting quarterback. Backups Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel are a combined 0-7 as starters for Dallas this season.
Weeden, waived earlier this month, is now with the Houston Texans. Cassel, acquired from the Buffalo Bills in September, has made four starts. He's played enough snaps to get a feel for where various receivers like the ball, and he has the freedom to change plays when necessary.
Cassel's challenge is avoiding the big mistake. He has five touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
"Cassel is clearly capable of winning us a game," defensive tackle Jeremy Mincey said. "Guys are jelling, and as frustrating as it is losing eight straight games, the fight is still there."
So hope remains that this season doesn't have to stay lost. The Cowboys have not yet put Romo on the injured-reserve list in case a miracle happens and they can get to the playoffs and win a couple games.
"I didn't think we'd have a shot to be in it," said Mincey, "but the cards are falling our way. What do we have to lose?"
Jean-Jacques Taylor, ESPN Staff Writer
IRVING, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys aren't shying away from their current reality. They might be 3-8 and in last place in the NFC East, but they somehow remain in the playoff chase -- at least mathematically.
A victory Monday night over the first-place, but 5-6, Washington Redskins combined with a New York Giants loss and the Cowboys could be a game out of first with four games to play.
"This is a wacky division," cornerback Brandon Carr said. "We're fortunate, right now, to still be able to do some things. It's up to us to take care of our own business and let the rest of the division handle itself.
"We have an opportunity to see the leader [Washington] twice before it's all said and done, so we have to make sure we take advantage of this situation Monday night and find a way to get a win."
That would mean someone other than Tony Romo starting and winning a game for the Cowboys. Romo, who's expected to miss the rest of the regular season with a fractured collarbone, is 3-1 as starting quarterback. Backups Brandon Weeden and Matt Cassel are a combined 0-7 as starters for Dallas this season.
Weeden, waived earlier this month, is now with the Houston Texans. Cassel, acquired from the Buffalo Bills in September, has made four starts. He's played enough snaps to get a feel for where various receivers like the ball, and he has the freedom to change plays when necessary.
Cassel's challenge is avoiding the big mistake. He has five touchdowns and five interceptions this season.
"Cassel is clearly capable of winning us a game," defensive tackle Jeremy Mincey said. "Guys are jelling, and as frustrating as it is losing eight straight games, the fight is still there."
So hope remains that this season doesn't have to stay lost. The Cowboys have not yet put Romo on the injured-reserve list in case a miracle happens and they can get to the playoffs and win a couple games.
"I didn't think we'd have a shot to be in it," said Mincey, "but the cards are falling our way. What do we have to lose?"