Dallas Cowboys remain alone with horrible NFL playoff history after Patriots win

The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” have a long and storied history in the NFL. With five Super Bowl championships under their belt, the Cowboys are one of the most successful franchises in league history. However, despite their success, they have also faced their fair share of disappointments.

One such disappointment came in the 2007 NFL season when the Cowboys, as the #2 seed in the NFC, suffered a shocking defeat in the Wild Card Round. This loss not only marked a rare occurrence in the team’s history but also solidified their status as the only team to ever lose in the Wild Card Round as a #2 seed.

The 2007 season had started off promising for the Cowboys. Led by quarterback Tony Romo, running back Marion Barber, and wide receiver Terrell Owens, the team had a strong regular season, finishing with a 13-3 record and clinching the #2 seed in the NFC. With high expectations heading into the playoffs, the Cowboys were confident in their ability to make a deep postseason run.

In the Wild Card Round, the Cowboys faced off against the New York Giants, a division rival who had barely made it into the playoffs as a #6 seed. Despite their lower seed, the Giants were a formidable opponent, boasting a strong defense and a talented offense led by quarterback Eli Manning.

The game started off well for the Cowboys, with Romo connecting with Owens for a touchdown early in the first quarter. However, the Giants quickly responded, scoring on their next possession to tie the game. The two teams traded blows throughout the first half, with neither able to gain a significant advantage.

As the game progressed, it became clear that the Giants were not going to go down without a fight. Manning was on fire, picking apart the Cowboys’ defense with precision passing and leading his team on several scoring drives. The Cowboys, on the other hand, struggled to maintain momentum, with Romo throwing a costly interception in the second half that shifted the momentum in favor of the Giants.

Despite their best efforts, the Cowboys were unable to mount a comeback, and ultimately fell to the Giants by a score of 21-17. The loss was a bitter pill for the team and their fans to swallow, as they had high hopes for a successful playoff run. Instead, they were left with a disappointing end to what had been a promising season.

The aftermath of the loss was felt throughout the Cowboys organization. Head coach Wade Phillips faced criticism for his inability to make adjustments during the game, while Romo was blamed for his costly interception that ultimately sealed the team’s fate. The loss also raised questions about the team’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations, as they had now failed to advance past the divisional round in three consecutive playoff appearances.

For the Cowboys, the 2007 season would go down as a missed opportunity. Despite their regular-season success, they were unable to capitalize on their #2 seed and fell short in the Wild Card Round. The loss served as a reminder that in the NFL, anything can happen in the playoffs, and no team is immune to an upset.

In the years that followed, the Cowboys would continue to be a competitive team in the NFC, but they would struggle to recapture the success they had enjoyed in the 1990s. They would make the playoffs several times, but would never again reach the heights of their Super Bowl glory days.

Looking back on that fateful Wild Card Round loss in 2007, the Cowboys can take away valuable lessons about the unpredictability of the NFL playoffs. They can also use it as motivation to strive for greatness and never take success for granted. While they may be the only team to ever lose in the Wild Card Round as a #2 seed, they can use that experience to fuel their determination to succeed in future playoff appearances.

In conclusion, the Cowboys’ loss in the 2007 Wild Card Round serves as a reminder of the highs and lows of the NFL playoffs. It is a cautionary tale for teams that may take their success for granted and a testament to the competitive nature of the league. While the loss may have been a bitter disappointment at the time, it can also be seen as a valuable learning experience that can help the Cowboys in their quest for future success.

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Source: Blogging The Boys