The Dallas Cowboys schedule is out, and fans are already dissecting every matchup. While some games appear to be cakewalks, others hold the potential to be tricky. This week’s mailbag dives into the “trap game” category, identifying those contests where the Cowboys could face an unexpected challenge.
Question: With games against the Bears, Lions, Texans, Jaguars, and maybe even the Giants, are there any “easy wins” we should be cautious about?
Answer: Let’s address the NFC East first. It’s a division known for close games, regardless of records. So while the Giants might be rebuilding, writing them off entirely is a recipe for disaster. When it comes to the rest of the list, there are a few teams to keep an eye on.
- Dan Campbell’s Revenge? – Detroit Lions: The Lions might still be finding their footing, but under fiery head coach Dan Campbell, they’ll be hungry to prove themselves. Especially with Campbell returning to his home state of Texas, expect a fired-up Lions squad. Quarterback Jared Goff has also enjoyed success against Dallas in the past. Don’t underestimate a motivated Lions team.
- New Eras in Chicago and Jacksonville: Both the Bears and Jaguars boast young quarterbacks with high expectations entering their second years. Add to that the presence of new head coaches Matt Eberflus in Chicago and Doug Pederson in Jacksonville, and these teams could surprise. Games against Justin Fields or Trevor Lawrence could be where these young talents have breakout performances.
Beyond the Obvious:
While the games mentioned above are potential underdogs, there’s another matchup that could be a “trap” despite seeming like a sure win.
- Looking Past Tampa Bay?: Sandwiched between a tough divisional stretch and a potentially crucial game against the Eagles, the Cowboys travel to Tampa Bay for a Sunday night showdown. The Buccaneers, despite a down season in 2023, shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re a team with a winning pedigree, and overlooking Tom Brady (assuming he’s back) could be a big mistake.
The Trap Game Mentality:
It’s important to remember that any team can win on any given Sunday. The “trap game” mentality isn’t about disrespecting opponents, but rather a reminder to stay focused and prepared for every matchup. The Cowboys have the talent to succeed, but overlooking any team could lead to an upset.
So, Dallas fans, enjoy the optimism of a new season, but keep an eye on those “trap games.” With the right approach, the Cowboys can navigate a challenging schedule and position themselves for a successful year.
