Though some well make the senseless argument that this opportunity has not been earned, here we are. Between the hours of 3 and 6pm central standard time, on Sunday, December 28, 2008, we are all going to learn (for better or worse) a great deal about the team we all hold so nearly to our hearts.

You can say they backed in, but the Cowboys have managed to accumulate enough victories to set up an early playoff game against a division rival, on the road, more than likely in inclimate weather. While the task ahead is a daunting one, you have to admit, this is a hell of a lot of fun!

By 6:30 Sunday, we will all be a great deal wiser than we are now. We will know if those two bizarre long runs that sealed a loss in the final game ever at Texas Stadium were abberate, or prophetic. We will know if Jason Garrett is the man we thought he was last year, or the man we are afraid that he may really be now. We will know if all of our so far fantastic rookies can be cool under immense pressure. We will know what kind of big game coach Wade Phillips is for real. We will have a better idea of how far away from a championship we are. And though he will have many more cracks at it, I think we are all anxious to get a glimpse of what Tony Romo is really made of.

I will be rooting against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. I don't want to see some dead, lifeless, "we just found out we're not going to the playoffs" Eagles. I want 'em jacked up, inspired and ready to spoil our season. That is the only way we are going to get to see what our 'Boys are really about.

This is a game that the Cowboys can win. This game has an opportunity to be a defining moment for a lot of coaches and players in that locker room. It also has the chance to be the type of galvanizing win that can propel this team into a great post-season run.

I know this is a scary game, and there are about 31 other NFL stadiums we would rather be playing a "win or go home" game. But if this team is gonna make a run they're gonna have to win road games in hostile environments, against other teams who have to win. Might as well get started now.

To be honest, I could not think of a better way for things to have panned out, and I would not change this if I could. I can't wait for Sunday.

God this is fun. GO COWBOYS!!