The Dallas Cowboys clinched the NFC East and a playoff berth with an absolutely dominant 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have already clinched their division and will be in the playoffs, so this game told us a lot about each team and how they will do in the postseason. Here are the things we learned:
Indianapolis can't beat good teams - or good quarterbacks
Four of Indy's five losses have come against Dallas, Denver, Pittsburgh, and New England - and all of them were blowouts. The Colts have given up over 500 yards per game in those contests, allowing an average of 41 points. These are the kind of teams that Indianapolis will face in the playoffs, and their struggles against them are why they haven't had much postseason success over the past few years.
Andrew Luck can't continue to turn the ball over
As great as Luck is, he can get a little careless with the football under center. He's now thrown 16 interceptions on the season - including five games with two or more - and has lost four fumbles. That simply won't get it done in the postseason when every possession matters. Unless this trend changes, the Colts will find themselves out of the playoffs after the first round.
It's time to admit Dallas' defense is pretty good
The Cowboys defense hasn't put up great statistical numbers, but because their offense is so effective, they've been able to take risks that can't. Dallas forced 24 turnovers this year with that aggressive style and consistently do enough to give their team a chance to win. They've relaxed at the end of some blowouts - making games closer than they should be - but they've done their job.
Tony Romo is playing the best football of his career
Romo passed Troy Aikman to become the Cowboys all-time passing leader, and that's just another indication of how good he's played. He's completing almost 70 percent of his passes for 3,188 yards and 28 touchdowns, while throwing only eight interceptions. Turnovers have plagued him in the past, and now that he's playing efficient football, he's carried the Cowboys past that 8-8 barrier and into the postseason.
Dallas is a legitimate Super Bowl contender
Dallas has now torched the Colts and beaten the Seahawks in Seattle, giving them the marquee wins they've been lacking the past few years. They have one of the best offenses in the league and a capable defense. Running back DeMarco Murray leads the NFL in rushing, and their offensive line has dominated everyone they've played. As long as they continue to play the way they have been, they'll have a chance to win every game they're in.
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