Jerry Rice Thinks Cowboys Got 'Lucky' Against Pittsburgh

On ESPN's Countdown Daily, Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice made a case (Courtesy ESPN Dallas) for why the Cowboys would not beat the New Orleans Saints this upcoming Sunday. His case was, "Dallas got lucky against Pittsburgh."  

Jerry, you know as well as the 95,000—plus in Cowboys Stadium this past Sunday that the Cowboys were not "lucky." 

The Cowboys started the game off hot, batting down passes and even recovering a fumble that the referee for some reason overturned. I saw two steps, one hit and then a final hit that jarred the ball loose on the third step. 

These Cowboys are taking this season one game at a time, and overcoming immense amounts of adversity along the way. Starting with the Cowboys being stripped of cap room, and ending with most recently the tragic loss of practice squad player Jerry Brown.

These Cowboys are not lucky—they are executing better than the teams they face and getting it done in all three phases of the game when it counts.

Tony Romo isn't lucky for demoralizing the Pittsburgh defense for 341 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.  He is the only quarterback this season to top the 300 yard mark against the No.1 rated pass defense in the NFL.

Dwayne Harris isn't lucky for reading his blocks and returning a punt 39 yards. 

DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer aren't lucky for being relentless in the pass rush and sacking Big Ben several times down the stretch.

DeMarco Murray isn't lucky for patiently following his blocks with 6:55 left in the 4th quarter and waltzing into the end zone untouched.

Victor Butler isn't lucky for stripping the football from Antonio Brown

Brandon Carr isn't unlucky for reading Mike Wallace's route and making an athletic interception—and Jason Garrett isn't lucky for having Romo slide down in the middle of the field, setting up for yet another game-winning Dan Bailey field goal.

These Cowboys are a product of preparation and mental toughness meeting opportunity.  They have met that opportunity and have won five of the last six games.  

The Cowboys control their own destiny, and considering the multiple defensive starters that have been sent to injured reserve this year— it is an insult to the Cowboys resolve and poise to call anything that they have accomplished "lucky".