Dallas Cowboys: 5 Things That Need to Happen for the 'Boys to Make the Playoffs

The Dallas Cowboys operate in a bubble. Every year the expectations are high, and just about every year the team fails to live up to the hype. Whether it's the 13-3 season when the 'Boys lost to the Giants in the playoffs or last season when the Cowboys tanked and ended up going 6-10, Dallas has yet to live up to what's expected of America's Team.

Fans are hoping this year may finally be the year.

The Cowboys were destroyed on Sunday night by the Philadelphia Eagles, 34-7. The newly-redesigned Cowboys defense was dismantled as Michael Vick and Shady McCoy combined for 529 total yards. It turned out to be one of those "burn" the tape games where the team will just have to move on from such a nasty loss and fixate their eyes on the next opponent.

But while many may be dismissing Dallas' chances of Super Bowl glory, I still believe there is hope. I didn't think the Cowboys' loss on Sunday hurt their chances of playoff glory—I just believe the game was a blip on the radar.

Dallas still has a chance to win the division and make the playoffs based off their schedule alone.

There are still some things needed to be done in order for the Cowboys to make a move, but they are well within the team's grasp.

Here are five things the Cowboys must to do make the playoffs.

Run the Ball

I've said it over and over again, but Jason Garrett must take heed: Run the football, good sir.

The Cowboys have one of the league's best young talents in DeMarco Murray as a running back, and Garrett has to find ways to get him more involved in the offense.

Murray had a great day on Sunday with 74 yards rushing, but it came on eight carries. Dallas fell behind so quickly that there wasn't really much of a chance to get him involved running the ball.

But to balance out the offense and to help eat clock to preserve leads, Murray, Felix Jones and now Phillip Tanner must become an intricate part of Garrett's game plan. Put Sunday's game out of the memory box and move forward with a new, effective plan to run the ball and involve Murray as much as possible.

Add Variety Back to the Offense

For me, the Dallas offense has looked vanilla as of late. I know Garrett is chided for trying wild plays at the most inopportune times, but it may time to inject some diversity into the offensive game plan.

That may be hitches or bubble screens to Austin or Bryant, or simply a stretch play to Murray, or roll-outs with Romo—Dallas may have to try something different on offense.

We'll see what Garrett has in store for the Seahawks on Sunday, but I believe he needs clever and focused game variety instead of imprecise and aloof plays that do a disservice to his offensive skill players.

Beat the Giants, Eagles and Redskins

This is easier said than done, but it's the truth.

In order for the Cowboys to make the playoffs they have to beat the teams within their division. They are a game up on the Redskins, a game down on the Eagles and they have yet to play the Giants.

It will be important for Dallas to sweep the rest of the season, as they can probably only afford about two more losses to make the playoffs.

They should have beaten the Lions, Jets and Patriots, but they didn't. Because of that there is less room for error and a razor-thin margin for mistakes.

I believe Dallas is close to blowing up, as it feels like this team is one big play away from running away from the rest of the division. They are horrible at closing games, and once that's fixed, then look out.

Improved Pass-Defense

The Cowboys' pass-defense isn't that bad; they are ranked 16th-best against the pass.

But Dallas was gashed by Tom Brady in the waning minutes of their contest, and Matthew Stafford tore them apart in the second half of their matchup.

Michael Vick was laser sharp on Sunday night, and Dallas has games remaining against the Giants, Bills and Bucs in the coming months. All have teams with quarterbacks capable of beating them with their arms.

Cornerback Mike Jenkins is a walking infirmary, and Orlando Scandrick and the rest of defensive secondary have played inconsistent, at best.

Dallas has to improve against the pass if they want any chance at making the playoffs.

Focused Leadership

Sounds like the PowerPoint presentation for the sales department at Xerox, doesn’t it?

But it’s the truth.

Rob Ryan said that he was out-coached Sunday night, and let's not get started on Jason Garrett.

Dallas has to have tunnel vision for the remainder of the season and cut out unnecessary mistakes, fanatical game plans and stop throwing away games.

Ryan will get better and so will his defense. Garrett has to call better games, but he should bounce back as well. It's just a toss-up of how the rest of the year will go with Garrett driving the ship.