I'd be surprised if the Dallas Cowboys were to just shrink back and 'go home' at this point in the season. The one thing standing in their way is . . . well, I think it's themselves. Like many have noticed before, during and after so many games - they psych themselves out before getting serious. First it's the lack of concentration, then it's over compensating (trying too hard), then they draw the flags, and finally, showing lack of confidence and confusion. Any opposing team will smell blood in the water and pounce on the weakness.

Some times they try and 'catch-up' by putting their best efforts toward the end of the game instead of at the beginning, but by then it's sometimes too late. An example would be how Dallas was able to make it a 27-30 game (thanks to Brandon Aubrey) - after being so far behind in the first half. But alas, giving a hungry Detroit team the slightest edge when the score was so close spelled defeat to the Cowboys. 

Perhaps it's the hyper-publicity, advertising and emotions pumped into the team day in and day out that are to blame. After all, they "have to" live up to being America's Team. And rightly so, given the exorbitant salaries paid to these men.  Still, it's no wonder some have said "The Cowboys are an ad agency who sometimes play football" (Mike Fisher) Maybe so, but I still have hope they will get out of their own way and just play football. Here's believing they CAN make it to 10-6-1. Are you a "believe" r like Dak said?