Falcons Vs Cowboys Preview: "Brand" Spanking

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

A week after playing in the spotlight of NBC's Sunday night game, Matt Ryan and the hot Falcons face something even more daunting— playing under the massive video board above the playing field in Dallas Stadium. While the Cowboys themselves don't necessarily intimidate, the video screen casts a long shadow, much like the five Lombardi Trophies do on the legacy of Tony Romo.

"There is no doubt a lot of history with the Cowboys," says Ryan. "The Cowboy franchise is the most-valued in the league, and the Dallas 'star' is emblematic of excellence in the NFL. That's why a win at Dallas would mean so much to me. It would be a defining victory, as well as a 'brand' spanking."

The Cowboys bye week has already been a success, what with the three NFC East counterparts all losing. Dallas is 3-2, tied with the Eagles for second and trailing the Giants by a game.

"See, good things are just as likely to happen to us when we don't play than when we do ," says Jerry Jones. "I guess I have to credit that to coach Wade Phillips. That's why I'll use this opportunity to reiterate that Phillips' job is safe for this year. Only in Dallas does the owner feel compelled to address the coach's future after a win ."

Dallas victories are a lot like Travis Henry's children—you have to question their legitimacy. Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Kansas City are a combined 3-14, and they were all winless when the Cowboys beat them.

Atlanta wins, 30-23.