Dallas Cowboys will be in the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

Dec 22, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) is congratulated by Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Terrance Williams (83) after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

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And: The Cowboys can finally close the deal when given the opportunity. As has been well documented, Garrett and company have had a chance to win the NFC East each of the last three seasons in the final game of the year.

Unfortunately for Dallas and its fan base, they have entered each of those contests with an 8-7 record and left with a .500 mark.

While Romo usually gets his share of the blame in those losses (with the exception of 2013, when he was unable to play due to his back injury), a closer looks shows that it’s the other side of the football that has wilted down the stretch.

In their final four games over the past three seasons, Dallas has allowed a whopping 337 points in those 12 contests, an average of 28.1 points per outing. The Cowboys are a combined 4-8 in those games and in five of those dozen tilts Garrett’s club gave up at least 31 points.

And speak of the devil…

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