The entire 2007 season can be characterized by the dominance of two teams from both the AFC and NFC. In the NFC, the Cowboys rolled through the season relatively unscathed, finishing 13-3 and securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs. We were all ready for a rematch of Cowboys-Packers, a game that brings us back to each team’s mid-1990s glory days. Turns out the New York Football Giants had other ideas, as they upset the ‘Boys 21-17.
Before we play the blame game, let’s take a look at the Giants, a team that I had sworn off after yet another 2nd half slide. The Giants entered the postseason high on confidence but maybe more importantly, low on rust. After defeating the Bills to clinch a playoff spot, Tom Coughlin was left with a dilemma. Should he play his starters and try to derail the Patriots’ undefeated season? Or should he have his team roll over with backups? He chose the former, a decision that I admired then and I admire even more now.
By playing his starters the entire game, Coughlin made sure they stayed in routine before the postseason, something too many coaches overlook. Let’s take a look at Cowboys’ coach Wade Phillips. After the Cowboys defeated the Packers to all but secure home field advantage, his team gradually slid into mediocrity. And during the bye week, rather than keeping the team in Dallas to work out their kinks, he gave them a vacation. Really, Wade? Isn’t half your team going to Hawaii for vacation in a few weeks anyway?
The Cowboys entered yesterday’s game about three weeks removed from a “real” game. The week 17 game against Washington was a throwaway game. Wade rested players, took it easy in practice, and by doing so, received an asskicking from the Redskins. Throw that bye week into the equation and the Cowboys looked like a team in preseason form rather than a team playing their best football. In the end, Wade got his wish. His team is now on vacation. A six month vacation.
