No real celebration for Cowboys as they return to work

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The team celebration was tempered. The Dallas Cowboys didnt jump for joy or break out in dance.

Instead, the Cowboys got back to work Friday, less than 12 hours after the Philadelphia Eagles did them a favor and beat the New York Giants. That gave the cowboys the nfc east title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

While the players celebrated on social media Thursday night, coach Jason Garrett acknowledged the accomplishment with only a few words.

We had a short team meeting this morning really to talk about the daily schedule and addressed it, Garrett said. Congratulated our guys. But again our focus is on what we need to do today to prepare to play our best football on Monday night.

The Cowboys will receive their division championship hats and T-shirts at the end of the day. Garrett said he will repeat what he said in 2014 when the Cowboys won their last NFC East title: Wear it today and then give it to somebody you love. Thats not our goal.

Same message, Garrett said.

Garrett said nothing changes for the Cowboys despite having everything clinched. They will continue to play their healthy starters.

What we need to do is play our best football, Garrett said. Thats what were going to focus on. Well focus on that in practice today. Well practice tomorrow leading up to the game on Monday. Then, were going to play the game as well as we can play it, with all hands on deck. Were going to play at a high level and hopefully our preparation carries over into the game.

Source: http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/cowboys-corner-blog/article122666849.html

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"MNF" voice Sean McDonough on biggest threat to Cowboys

Cowboys vs. Giants | NFL Week 14 Game Highlights

ESPN play-by-play man Sean McDonough talks about his first season of Monday Night Football and looks ahead toward the Cowboys-Lions game with The Posts Justin Terranova.

Q: What separates Dak Prescott from other rookie quarterbacks?

A: Hes sitting back there behind that great offensive line with all day to throw, but he still has to put the throws in there. Hes very poised, one of those guys when he comes and sits down with you in the meeting room, you can see him leading a team very easily. He has what everyone calls the it factor: poise and self-confidence, but not cockiness.

Q: Who is the biggest threat to the Cowboys in the NFC?

A: Seattle. Theyve been to the Super Bowl twice in the last three years. They still have a wonderful defense and are doing just enough on offense. Its hard to go against the Giants, who are playing great defense one week after the next. Its amazing how much smarter coaches get when you add $200 million in talent. Dallas has had a tremendous season, but I dont think they are head and shoulders above everybody else.

Sean McDonoughESPN Images

Q: What has been your favorite MNF moment this year?

A: The personal highlight was getting the chance to do a game in New England. I grew up here in Boston, going to almost every Patriots home game with my dad. There were so many nice touches around the game. When I got in the booth, there was a handwritten letter from Mike Reiss (ESPN reporter) that said he knew it was a special night and how proud my dad would be.

Q: How is it working next to Jon Gruden?

A: Weve had a fun year and he is a very interesting guy to be around, as you could imagine. I think Jon and I got better as the year went on, and I am thankful it looks like hes staying with us. I got nervous reading some of the stuff (about the Rams interest), but it was nice to hear him say he loves what hes doing and intends to stay.

Q: How do you handle a blowout like the Jets-Colts game a few weeks back?

A: Even though the game isnt compelling play to play, I think in the case of the Jets what we tried to do that night is talk about the teams issues. Why has this happened? What do they do about their quarterback situation? What is the future? They have some hard decisions to make. Was it a one-year blip or do they have to blow it all up?

source: http://nypost.com/2016/12/22/sean-mcdonough-on-biggest-threat-to-cowboys/

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