When the NFL adopted an 18-week, 17-game schedule, teams were forced to adapt and reimagine their approaches. An added game means an added week of practice and preparation. It’s also another physical, mental, and emotional demand for all the players, coaches, and staff members. You can count the Dallas Cowboys and coach Mike McCarthy as those who understand the game now.
McCarthy was brutally honest about what the 17th game meant for the Cowboys and how it affected their approach. According to ProFootballTalk, the Cowboy coach spoke to the media this week and stressed continuity — especially on the offensive line — as a contributing factor to success with this. But in general, McCarthy was willing to be as clear as possible.
“I think the 17th game impact is real,” McCarthy said. “I have felt it with our team. History will tell you continuity factors into your wins and losses. You look at the history of five offensive linemen lining up and starting every game of a season on the win total, I don’t recall the exact number, but it’s a significant number.”
The Cowboys will have a big season ahead of them after the way last year’s ended. Dallas fell to longtime playoff rival San Francisco in the NFC Divisional Round. We’ll see if the wear-and-tear of the 17th game — the fourth season in which they’ll be using one — plays as a big factor in Dallas. If you believe Mike McCarthy, it almost certainly will.
