The push for the playoffs begins this weekend.

Teams have positioned themselves all season to get to the point after Thanksgiving to have something to play for down the stretch.

The Dallas Cowboys sent a message on their traditional Thanksgiving game by pounding the Buccaneers. They have won three consecutive games for the first time since Bill Parcell's first year as head coach and would have a five game winning streak going into the stretch run if they didn't give the game away to the Redskins.

The obvious reason for the improved play is Tony Romo as the starting QB. He is 4-1 as a starter, has provided mobility which has helped the offensive line and has been outstanding in the second half. But I think his greatest contribution to the team cannot be measured in statistics.

We all remember how unhappy coach Parcells looked earlier in the year. He had been through a training camp in which he was constantly asked questions about the health of T.O., started the season off poorly and then had to deal with Terrell's attempted suicide/accidental overdose. He appeared to be a beaten man on the Cowboy sideline.
The change at QB not only has provided better play on the field but seems to have improved the chemistry of the team.

Tony Romo has fun playing the game and his enthusiasm has been contagious throughout the team. The intangibles of a quarterback are an overlooked aspect of playing the position. Tony has lightened the mood and for the first time in a long time the Cowboys are having fun playing football. He gets another shot at the Giants with a 10-day rest going into the pivotal division game for the inside track to the NFC East title next weekend at the Meadowlands.

If the Cowboys beat the Giants and continue to build momentum during the remainder of the season they could establish themselves as the team to beat in the NFC. I wonder if there is any room left on the Cowboys bandwagon?