It’s been a very, very long while since the Dallas Cowboys went the distance.
The Cowboys haven’t reached the promised land since the 1995 season, and they’ve been known more for their shortcomings in key stretches than their actual postseason success.
So, just like last season, most fans and insiders were quite skeptical when talking about the Cowboys’ actual chances to have a deep postseason run this year.
Their loss to the Washington Commanders in the season finale did little to appease those doubters, and not even beating the mediocre Tampa Bay Buccaneers could convince them that they’re for real.
But what if this team is actually as good as they think they are?
Why if they get it together and upset the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium?
Should that be the case, then NFL analyst Peter Schrager believes people would owe HC Mike McCarthy a huge apology.
"If the @Cowboys can pull this off, the story is Mike McCarthy. The guy was being asked about being on the hot seat in 𝙅𝙪𝙡𝙮 at his opening press conference. Here he is, a few wins away from being a Dallas legend."
– @Pschrags pic.twitter.com/6nAGYSD170
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 18, 2023
Truth be told, McCarthy’s coaching is just one of many reasons why people doubted the Cowboys in the first place, as he continues to live off that Super Bowl win with the Green Bay Packers over a decade ago.
McCarthy’s controversial decision-making has often been a subject of debate around the league, and it was evident again last season when they went back home empty-handed.
So, even if the Cowboys fail to reach the Super Bowl, a trip to the NFC Championship Game and a close loss in it would be more than enough for McCarthy to buy himself at least another year in charge of the team.
NEXT: 2 Reasons The Cowboys Won On Monday Night