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What do the Cowboys need to fix to be Super Bowl contenders?

Until the last two weeks, everyone thought it was going to be a cakewalk for the Saints and Rams to make it to the NFC Championship game. What other team could keep up with those offenses?

But when Dallas held New Orleans to 10 points, and the Bears held the Rams to 6 points - albeit both road games for the Saints and Rams - it showed that it could be possible to beat both of those teams in the playoffs. Maybe not likely, but possible.

So if it is possible to beat those teams, what more do the Cowboys need to do to give themselves a chance? Because any game against those teams will be at their home field, which will greatly increase the difficulty of upsetting tham.

Here's my take on what the Cowboys need to do.

1. Fix the Red Zone problems.

The Cowboys are looking capable of racking up 400+ yards now that they have Amari Cooper. He can beat one-on-one coverage, gets great separation, and can take it to the house. He's also a first down machine, which gives Zeke more chances to wear out the opposing D, allows Dallas to dominate time of possession, and rest it's potent defense.

Another plus, which showed up in the last game, was the appearance of tight end options for Dak. The three tight ends were 11 for 11, with 92 yards. That's huge, because it helps moves the chains.

But all those yards are diminished if the Cowboys can't punch the ball into the end zone. In Sunday's game, two of their three TDs were passes that were launched from outside the red zone. That's great. But the Cowboys also need to score inside the red zone, and especially when they have first and goal to go.

The Cowboy still have time to fix this. They fixed their third down offensive woes as soon as they acquired Amari Cooper. They have essentially fixed their 3rd down defensive issues. So they can make improvements.

2. Improve the turnover ratio

The Cowboys are currently at 0 - they've turned it over as much as they've received turnovers. They need to get into positive territory. It would be nice if they are positive in this regard for every game going forward from here.

Dak threw two picks this week, but had gone several games without getting picked off. What he has had a bigger problem with is fumbles. This can be fixed by him, and needs to be.

On the flip side, Dallas needs to generate turnovers. Strip sacks, forced fumbles, and interceptions are needed.

3. Tighten up the late-game defense

The defense has been awesome lately. They shut down the vaunted Saints' offense. The stifled the Eagles through 3 quarters.

But they've been susceptible of giving up scores at the end of games. Dallas had 7 points leads on the Eagles with 6 minutes to play, and another 7 point lead with 3 minutes to go. Had the Dallas defense done its job, Dak wouldn't have had to lead the team on a winning 8 minute drive in overtime.

Both the defense AND offense need to be able to close out a win going forward.

4. Give Dak better pass protection

Dak didn't get beat up against Philly. He still was sacked and fumbled, and the sack started with poor pass protection. It was much better than in the NO game, where Dak got sacked 7 times. Part of it could have been better protection, part Dak getting rid of the ball quicker, part could have been the new outlet passes to the tight ends.

Whatever it was, the Cowboys need to keep it up and do better. Sacks in the playoffs can be devastating.

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That's it for me. If Dallas can fix these issues, they could beat anyone. With a solid running game, plenty of passing options, and a great defense, they should be in the game against any opponent.

I actually think the team may be in better shape than the 2016, but that will be the topic of another post.

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