Dallas Cowboys 2023 Playoff Hopes and Late Season Injury News

Dallas Cowboys 2023 Playoff Hopes and Late Season Injury News
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The Cowboys Look Ahead to the Playoffs

Despite some confident predictions from rival fans, the Dallas Cowboys remain focused as they head into the NFL playoffs. After locking up a playoff spot with a 12-5 record, the Cowboys are determined to make a deep run this January.

A Strong Regular Season

Led by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, and linebacker Micah Parsons, Dallas put together an impressive regular season campaign. They won the NFC East division title for the first time since 2018. While the Eagles and 49ers may be favored by some to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, the Cowboys have just as much talent on their roster.

Prescott threw for over 4,500 yards this season, rebounding nicely after injuries impacted his 2021 season. Meanwhile, Elliott and Tony Pollard formed one of the most dynamic running back duos in the league. On defense, Parsons cemented his status as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate with 30 tackles for loss.

Tuning Out the Noise

As they gear up for Wild Card weekend, the Cowboys are focused inward, rather than getting caught up with chatter from media pundits and fans on social media.

"We know what we're capable of when we execute and play our style of football," Prescott told reporters. "That's been the message all season and that won't change now. We'll go out there and give them our best shot."

Head coach Mike McCarthy has preached a "one game at a time" mantra all season long, and he expects his players to block out all the predictions of an early playoff exit. The team is used to criticism after failing to make it past the Divisional Round since their last Super Bowl win in 1995.

A Favorable First Matchup

The Cowboys don't know their first playoff opponent yet, but will host either the Seahawks, Packers, Giants, or Lions at AT&T Stadium during Super Wild Card weekend. Dallas was dominant at home this season, going 8-1.

Of those four potential opponents, the Cowboys match up best against the Giants, whom they swept during the regular season. However, the Cowboys say they will prepare the same way regardless.

"It's the playoffs. Every team is tough," Elliott said. "We'll watch some film on whoever we draw and put together a game plan to attack their weaknesses. I like our chances against anyone."

Injury Updates Leading Into the Playoffs

A key storyline for the Cowboys heading towards the playoffs is the health of several star players. Wide receiver Michael Gallup and cornerback Jourdan Lewis are working their way back from injuries sustained during the regular season.

Gallup Nearing Return

Gallup tore his ACL in January 2022 and spent most of this season rehabbing. He returned in Week 10 but landed back on injured reserve with a knee issue. Recent reports indicate he is close to returning for the playoffs.

"I feel great, the best I've felt all year," Gallup told reporters. "It was good to get a few games under my belt already this year, so it won't take me long to get back into a groove."

At full strength, Gallup gives the Cowboys a dangerous trio of receivers along with CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz. His return would be a major boost to the passing attack entering the playoffs.

Lewis Eyes Playoff Return

Lewis was also having a strong season before landing on IR with a foot injury in October. The veteran cornerback has been participating in practice lately and wants to suit up in the Wild Card round.

"I'm doing everything I can to help this team make a Super Bowl run," Lewis said. "My foot is feeling good. I'll keep working with the trainers, and hopefully get cleared for that first playoff game."

With Lewis back, the Cowboys secondary would be at full strength to match up against a deep receiver corps like the one they would face against the Giants.

Cowboys Remain Confident Despite Seed

Locked in as the #5 seed, Dallas will have to win multiple road games to make it to the Super Bowl. But Prescott and McCarthy both said this team has the mental toughness to win tough games away from home.

Prescott Embraces Challenge

"I don't get caught up in things like our seed or homefield advantage," Prescott said this week. "Every game in the playoffs is going to be tough no matter where we play. I have confidence that we'll go out there and execute."

Prescott is no stranger to delivering in clutch situations and has engineered several game-winning drives this season and throughout his career. His experience and leadership will be invaluable as the Cowboys start their playoff journey.

McCarthy's Playoff Pedigree

Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy also brings a championship pedigree to the table. He won a Super Bowl with the Packers during the 2010 season and made deep playoff runs with Green Bay several times.

"Getting hot at the right time is what it's all about," McCarthy said this week. "We dealt with injuries and ups-and-downs like every team. But we have the right mindset and talent to win on the road."

Rather than feel disadvantaged as a road team, McCarthy views it as an opportunity for the Cowboys to come together and prove doubters wrong. If any coach can engineer a playoff upset or two, it's a seasoned veteran like McCarthy.

FAQs

Who do the Cowboys play in the Wild Card round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs?

The Cowboys' first round playoff opponent has not been determined yet. As the #5 seed in the NFC, they will host either the Seahawks, Packers, Giants, or Lions on Wild Card weekend (January 14-16, 2023).

Will Michael Gallup be back for the Cowboys' first playoff game?

Recent reports indicate that Gallup is close to returning from the knee injury that sidelined him late in the regular season. It is likely he will be on the field for the Cowboys' opening playoff game to give their passing attack a boost.

How far can the Cowboys realistically make it in the 2023 playoffs?

As the #5 seed the Cowboys will need to win multiple games on the road to make it to the Super Bowl. But with QB Dak Prescott, RB Ezekiel Elliott and DC Dan Quinn, Dallas has the talent and experience to pull off playoff upsets and make a run.

Does the Cowboys' playoff seeding disadvantage them?

Head coach Mike McCarthy says he prefers to view being a lower seed as an opportunity for his team to come together and prove doubters wrong. He and QB Dak Prescott both expressed confidence that the team can win tough games away from home.

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