2012 Dallas Cowboys: Why September 5th Is More Than Just a Game

The Dallas Cowboys will return to MetLife Stadium on September 5th to face the New York Giants in what promises to be an epic opening night battle. But not only does this contest have the potential to shatter many ratings records, it's also a chance for the Cowboys to make a statement on many levels.

Both losses to the Giants last season were equally disappointing. The first one, and probably the most devastating, saw the Giants avenge a 12-point deficit with a little over four minutes left in regulation. Eli Manning worked over a bewildered Cowboys defense and completed passes at will after a botched Romo-to-Austin connection failed to seal the game.

That loss proved to be the beginning of what is now the routine December tailspin for the Cowboys. The second contest between these teams ultimately decided the NFC East. Not only do we know how that movie ended, but the sequel was equally horrifying, resulting in a second title for the Giants in a four year span.

The ending to the 2011 season showed us the difference between a team who had the mental toughness to win when the opportunity presented itself and a team still learning what it takes to seize the opportunity. I believe the Cowboys are close to recognizing what it takes to win when it counts and that's why September 5th takes on more significance.

It's not just another high drama, high ratings NFL thriller where the Cowboys are used for good theatre. It's a chance for the Dallas Cowboys to begin the season on the correct note, set the tone for 2012 and take a major step at staking their claim in the NFC East while beating the defending champs. The defending champs who not only beat the Cowboys twice in a span of a month, but shattered their 2011 season.

The game also takes on greater significance because of the effects of the salary cap penalty handed down by the NFL and the Management Council that Giants owner John Mara chairs. Mara, who recently spoke more about the penalties, made comments alluding to the fact that the Cowboys were lucky that the loss of draft picks weren't also part of the punishment. That loss of salary-cap money probably cost the Cowboys the chance at signing Laurent Robinson.

Either way, whatever plans the Cowboys had in mind to spend the money on, a case can be made that a division rival owner with power attempted to weaken two other rivals. The fact that Jerry Jones and Dan Snyder appear to be headed to arbitration might tell you something. No matter how the situation is analyzed, it definitely adds more motivation for the Cowboys to make a statement.

The 2012 season opener will be an exciting, hard fought battle for the ages and will not disappoint. Entering that game the Cowboys will have had the entire offseason, OTA's and training camp to see the culmination of their hard work in both free agency and the draft come to fruition. Although the Cowboys will want to avenge last season, seek some retribution against the Giants and show that they are an improved team, the overriding element above all is to simply win the game.

If the Cowboys emerge victorious on September 5th it will go a long way in shaping the 2012 season. Motivation is at an all-time high and the time has come for the Dallas Cowboys as an organization to take the next important and necessary step in their goal of becoming yearly contenders. It's simply what must be done.

That's why the September 5th season opener is more than just a game.