December 26th means different things for different people.
Some people are headed home after visiting family. Others lay in their pajamas and watch college bowl games or movies. Of course there are those that rush to their local retail stores to exchange whatever gifts they opened under their tree the day before. The Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles are using this day to play a game of football.
Some people spend the day tearing down all of the lights, tinsel, and novelty Santa Clauses that adorn their house throughout December. I am not one of those people.
Just like there is a rule as to when you can start listening to Christmas music (the day after Thanksgiving you’re in the clear) there is a rule about how long you can have your decorations up.
It’s still a festive time of year and there is still one big holiday left for us all to celebrate. I choose to leave my decorations up until after New Year’s.
“But RJ, it doesn’t make sense! Why do you have Christmas decorations up after Christmas?!”
It makes my heart happy. It’s still great to enjoy the spirit of Christmas even though the actual day itself is over.
I view the Dallas Cowboys the same way.
A week ago tonight America’s Team was officially, mathematically, and heartbreakingly eliminated from playoff contention for this season. The day is done.
That doesn’t mean that we still can’t enjoy the spirit of the season for just a little bit longer.
We here at Inside The Star all hope that you had the Merriest of Christmases and we wish you the Happiest of New Years.
Here are this week’s 5 Bold Predictions.
There Will Be Over 10 References To The Cowboys/Bills Super Bowl Days
The Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills made NFL History in the early 90s when they squared off against one another in back-to-back Super Bowls.
The Cowboys won both of those contests in convincing fashion, helping to establish them as the team of the decade. The Buffalo Bills actually lost the two Super Bowls prior to the two they played against us, both of which they lost, giving them four losses in the biggest game possible in a row.
The Cowboys and Bills only play once every four years thanks to being in separate conferences. It’s always a great matchup and there is no place to watch a game like Ralph Wilson Stadium.
This is one of the better matchups in terms of NFL lore, and we’re going to be reminded of that all day long.
Terrance Mitchell Will Record Another Interception
A little over a week ago the Cowboys shocked all those who follow them closely when they released cornerback Tyler Patmon. In terms of roster adjustment they called up Terrance Mitchell in his place.
Mitchell made them look like geniuses a week ago when he intercepted Ryan Fitzpatrick. This was the first interception recorded by a Dallas Cowboys cornerback since December 4th, 2014. Wowza.
The secondary has been a point of weakness for the Cowboys for quite some time, so it was really nice to see the team get something positive out of it.
I’ve called for rookie standout Byron Jones to get an interception in these Bold Predictions before, but after lots of food over the Christmas Holiday my gut is feeling Terrance Mitchell.
Always go with your gut.
Darren McFadden Will Have Over 100 Yards On The Ground
Alright class, who can tell me who has the most 100-yard rushing games this season in the NFL?
You! In the back!
“Adrian Peterson?”
That is correct! Now can anyone tell me who is tied with Todd Gurley for second on this list with just one less than Peterson?
*Crickets*
The answer is Run DMC aka Darren McFadden aka He Continues To Surprise.
Darren McFadden has, amazingly, been the most stable part of the Dallas Cowboys offense this season. He’s pulled off some big runs and five 100-yard games… all despite the defense knowing that he’s getting the ball.
DMC getting 100 yards is money in the bank at this point. I’m just writing the check, he’s going to cash it.
Brice Butler Will Have A 30+ Yard Touchdown
When Dez Bryant went down with a foot injury after the Week 1 victory over the New York Giants, the Cowboys traded for a receiver to give them some depth at the position in Dez’s absence.
Brice Butler of the Oakland Raiders was that man and he’s looked pretty good in the few opportunities that he’s been given. Many members of Cowboys Nation actually believe that he could/should overtake Terrance Williams for the #2 role on the Cowboys giving them an attack of Dez, Brice, and Beasley.
Dez Bryant will not be playing in this game, so Brice is going to have a larger volume of work against the Bills. This is a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent and his lethal speed.
That speed is going to have him flying during this game and Kellen Moore is going to look his way for a score over 30 yards. Book it.
Kellen Moore Will Have A Rushing Touchdown
There has been quite a carousel of quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys this season.
At different times we have seen Tony Romo, Brandon Weeden, Matt Cassel, and Kellen Moore. Yes, those are real people.
Moore is just the latest person to take snaps from Travis Frederick as he took over mid-game for Matt Cassel last week against the Jets. Kellen will be the one getting the start in Buffalo.
I liked what I saw from Kellen. He has an electricity about him that seems to get the team energized when he’s at the helm.
I can see it now…
Kellen snaps the ball. He rolls right. He doesn’t like what he sees. He comes back left. He’s motioning for someone to cut back in. It’s not there. The Bills defensive linemen are coming. Kellen takes off. Kellen scores. Everyone is jubilant!
[signoff author=”rjochoa” source=”fancred”]
What are your BOLD Predictions for when the Dallas Cowboys visit the Buffalo Bills? I want to know! Comment below, Email me at Roel.Ochoa.Jr@Gmail.com, or Tweet to me at @rjochoa!
Is Jeff health not a corner anymore
Heath is a safety, same as he was in college and high school from all reports I found on a quick google search.
I realized that but there is no edit button. Either way he is A DB, a DB that got a pick(2) this year.
You're right, Jay. I meant corner, but typed DB. Been a long Christmas weekend! Good catch.
NP, I understand our team haso had a rough year but that stat is damning. Who do we blame for this? Henderson and Baker, Marinelli''s DB''s obtaining picks was a strong suite in Chicago or maybe Tillman just made them look good.
The lack of turnovers this year is just astounding. How in the world Marinelli's tampa-2 defense doesn't have more turnovers is beyond me, especially with the players we have back there.