By Cowboys Insider | PML Network Feature | Week 16 Wrap-Up
A Chaotic Finish to the Regular Season
The 2025 PML regular season has come to a thrilling close, and after sixteen weeks of grit, heartbreak, and redemption, the postseason field is finally locked. Several teams clawed their way into contention until the very end — and none did it with more fight than the Dallas Cowboys, who capped their season with a statement win in Washington to clinch the No. 6 seed in the NFC.
Coach Hirsch’s squad stormed into the playoffs on the back of an impressive four-win-in-five-games stretch, finishing 10-6 and rediscovering their identity just in time. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III has matured into a poised leader, the defense is forcing turnovers again, and the Cowboys look like one of the most dangerous wild-card teams in football.
The postseason bracket is set — and the road to the Lombardi Trophy officially begins.
NFC PLAYOFF BRACKET
(1) Philadelphia Eagles – First Round Bye
The reigning NFC East champions once again finished atop the conference, led by Jalen Hurts and a defense that has smothered opponents all year. Philadelphia will rest during Wild Card Weekend and prepare for a divisional-round matchup against the lowest remaining seed — which could very well be Dallas if the Cowboys pull off another road upset.
(2) Arizona Cardinals vs (7) Seattle Seahawks
The Cardinals closed strong to secure the NFC’s second seed. Kyler Murray’s dual-threat heroics and an aggressive defense make them legitimate contenders. But Seattle — led by a rejuvenated Geno Smith — always seems to play Arizona close. Expect fireworks in the desert Saturday night.
(3) Atlanta Falcons vs (6) Dallas Cowboys
Circle this one in red.
The Cowboys’ reward for their late-season surge is a road trip to face the NFC South-champion Falcons — a team built on physicality and a punishing ground game.
Atlanta, led by star RB Bijan Robinson, has worn down defenses all season behind a top-three rushing attack. But Dallas enters with momentum, swagger, and a growing belief that they can beat anyone when Joe Milton is in rhythm.
Milton closed the regular season with a four-touchdown performance in Washington, finishing the game with a 125.2 passer rating and the look of a player ready for the spotlight. Rookie RB Jaydon Blue and veteran Javonte Williamshave turned the Cowboys’ backfield into a balanced weapon, while CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens give Milton elite targets on the perimeter.
Defensively, Dallas might have found its turning point. Kaiir Elam’s 94-yard pick-six, Marshawn Kneeland’s two-sack explosion, and Markquese Bell’s tone-setting tackling performance in Week 16 sent a message: this defense is heating up.
“We’ve been through adversity, we’ve been doubted, but this team never quit,” said Coach Hirsch after clinching. “Now it’s about going on the road and proving we belong.”
This will mark Milton’s first playoff start — a defining moment for the rookie who has quickly become the heartbeat of Dallas’ offense.
(4) Minnesota Vikings vs (5) Washington Commanders
A matchup of contrasting styles closes the NFC’s opening weekend. Minnesota leans on precision passing and Justin Jefferson’s elite route-running, while Washington’s aggressive front seven and opportunistic secondary have fueled their resurgence. It’s a physical clash that could come down to which QB handles pressure better — Kirk Cousins or Sam Howell.
AFC PLAYOFF BRACKET
(1) Jacksonville Jaguars – First Round Bye
Trevor Lawrence and the Jags have done it again. The AFC’s top seed will rest and regroup after another stellar campaign behind an explosive offense and a top-tier defense.
(2) Cleveland Browns vs (7) Indianapolis Colts
Cleveland’s defense remains terrifying, with Myles Garrett leading the charge. The Colts have fought hard all year behind rookie QB Anthony Richardson, but they’ll have to play nearly perfect football to steal one in Cleveland.
(3) Denver Broncos vs (6) Pittsburgh Steelers
Russell Wilson’s comeback story meets Mike Tomlin’s never-say-die Steelers. Two of the league’s most physical teams collide — this one has “slugfest” written all over it.
(4) Buffalo Bills vs (5) Baltimore Ravens
Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson headlines one of the most electrifying Wild Card matchups in recent memory. Expect highlight-reel plays, big-time throws, and a playoff atmosphere that feels more like a championship bout.
Cowboys’ Confidence Is Peaking
Few teams enter the postseason playing better football than the Dallas Cowboys. After a midseason slump dropped them below .500, Coach Hirsch refocused his team around balance and accountability. The offense rediscovered its rhythm behind Milton’s leadership, while the defense — led by Damone Clark and Marist Liufau — started forcing turnovers and dictating games again.
Rookie corner Shavon Revel Jr.’s return from injury helped stabilize the secondary, and his chemistry with veterans Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland has given Dallas flexibility in coverage they lacked earlier in the season.
The offensive line, anchored by Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, and Cooper Beebe, has been the unsung hero — protecting Milton and opening lanes for the backs. It’s a unit that’s beginning to resemble the old-school Cowboys lines of the 1990s: tough, disciplined, and mean.
Wild Card Weekend Schedule
AFC:
- (7) Colts @ (2) Browns — Sat 1:00 PM
- (6) Steelers @ (3) Broncos — Sun 1:00 PM
- (5) Ravens @ (4) Bills — Sun 8:15 PM
NFC:
- (7) Seahawks @ (2) Cardinals — Sat 8:15 PM
- (6) Cowboys @ (3) Falcons — Sun 4:30 PM
- (5) Commanders @ (4) Vikings — Mon 8:15 PM
Coach Hirsch’s Message
The locker room vibe in Dallas feels different this time around. Players talk about focus, unity, and unfinished business. For a team that has fought its way through suspensions, injuries, and roster adjustments, reaching the postseason was never guaranteed — but now that they’re in, they intend to make noise.
“We earned this,” said linebacker Damone Clark, one of the team’s captains. “Now it’s about proving we can play our best football when it matters most.”
Coach Hirsch echoed that sentiment, telling reporters,
“It’s not about the seed — it’s about the fight. We’re built for games like this.”
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys enter the 2025 postseason as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, but no one in the locker room sees them as an underdog. With Joe Milton’s emergence, Jaydon Blue’s explosiveness, and a defense that’s rediscovered its swagger, Dallas might just be the team no one wants to face right now.
The journey continues next week in Atlanta — where the Cowboys’ resurgence will be put to the ultimate test under playoff lights.
Wild Card Showdown: Cowboys Head to Atlanta Hungry for More
By Cowboys Insider | PML Network Feature | 2025 NFC Wild Card Preview
The Moment Has Arrived
After sixteen long, grinding weeks, the Dallas Cowboys are here — battle-tested, confident, and dangerous. What began as a rocky season filled with uncertainty has evolved into one of the league’s most inspiring turnarounds. Now, at 10-6, Coach Hirsch’s squad heads into Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a Wild Card clash with the 11-5 Atlanta Falcons, a team built on power, patience, and precision.
This is no ordinary playoff matchup.
It’s a collision of philosophies.
Atlanta thrives on control — long drives, ground dominance, and mistake-free football. Dallas thrives on volatility — explosive plays, relentless pressure, and emotion.
Something has to give.
The Cowboys’ Revival
When Joe Milton III took the reins midseason, the Cowboys were in flux. Injuries, inconsistency, and a brutal NFC East race had them teetering on the edge. But Hirsch never flinched — and neither did his rookie quarterback.
Since then, Milton has been electric. The 6’5” rocket-armed rookie from Tennessee has sparked the offense with his confidence and poise, throwing for 242 yards and 4 touchdowns in the Week 16 win that sealed Dallas’ playoff fate. He’s grown from an experiment into a leader, a field general commanding one of the most balanced offenses in the league.
“Joe’s earned everything,” Hirsch said this week. “He’s taken the coaching, he’s taken the hits, and now he’s taking ownership of this football team.”
Milton’s chemistry with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens has blossomed, while rookie RB Jaydon Blue has emerged as a true star. Blue finished the regular season with a statement — 128 total yards and two touchdowns in the playoff-clinching victory over Washington. His dual-threat ability has forced defenses to pick their poison: commit to stopping the run and risk being torched through the air.
Behind them, veterans Javonte Williams and Phil Mafah complete a rushing trio that has given Dallas balance and toughness — averaging nearly 5.0 yards per carry over the past month.
And none of it happens without the trench warriors: Tyler Smith, Tyler Booker, and Cooper Beebe. The offensive line has quietly turned into one of the NFC’s most consistent units, protecting Milton and paving the way for the late-season surge.
Falcons: Built to Grind
The Falcons, meanwhile, represent everything Hirsch preaches: discipline, toughness, and balance. They’re a mirror image of what Dallas aspires to become.
Running back Bijan Robinson has been the engine, leading the NFC in scrimmage yards and dictating tempo every Sunday. Behind a powerful offensive line, Atlanta’s attack thrives on efficiency — forcing opponents to play their brand of football.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder has been steady if unspectacular, leaning on play-action and short-to-intermediate throws to control the pace. And defensively, Atlanta leans on speed and opportunism, featuring an aggressive front seven that rarely gives up easy yards.
If there’s a weakness, it’s their secondary — an area that Joe Milton may look to exploit with deep shots to Pickens and Lamb.
Defense Wins in January
Coach Hirsch’s Cowboys know this: to survive in January, you have to play defense. And over the past month, Dallas has rediscovered that edge.
The resurgence starts up front with Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku — two young edge rushers who’ve injected energy into the pass rush. Kneeland, in particular, has become a tone-setter, racking up 2 sacks and 3 TFLs in Week 16 alone. Inside, Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith have anchored the run defense, setting the table for linebackers Damone Clark and Marist Liufau to clean up.
The secondary is coming together at the right time. Trevon Diggs and Daron Bland remain the pillars, but it’s Kaiir Elam who’s stolen the headlines lately — returning a 94-yard interception for a touchdown last week and providing the swagger Dallas has long needed on the boundary.
Then there’s rookie CB Shavon Revel Jr., who’s quietly been one of the defense’s biggest surprises since returning from injury. His coverage ability and energy have made him a perfect complement in nickel packages.
“We’re flying around again,” said linebacker Damone Clark, the defensive captain. “We’ve got confidence. We’re communicating. This is the defense we believed we could be.”
Keys to Victory
1. Control the Trenches
The Falcons live and die by the run. If Dallas’ front can slow down Bijan Robinson early, they can force Ridder into long passing downs — situations where Micah’s replacement group (Kneeland/Ezeiruaku) can feast.
2. Feed the Trio
Williams, Mafah, and Blue give Dallas versatility. Hirsch has preached “three backs, one purpose” — to keep defenses off balance and wear them down. Expect Dallas to use all three in different packages to test Atlanta’s linebackers.
3. Protect the Rookie
Joe Milton will be making his playoff debut in a hostile dome environment. His composure will be key. Quick throws, screens to Blue, and establishing Ferguson as a safety valve will keep Atlanta’s pass rush honest.
4. Take the Ball Away
Turnovers change playoff games — and Dallas has forced nine in the past three weeks. Bell, Elam, and Clark must continue creating chaos to flip field position and momentum.
Inside the Locker Room: Calm Confidence
There’s a different energy at The Star this week. No panic. No jitters. Just quiet focus.
Veteran leaders like CeeDee Lamb and Damone Clark have emphasized preparation and composure. Rookie stars like Milton and Blue have embraced the moment instead of shrinking from it.
“This is why you play,” Lamb said. “We’ve been grinding since August for this. We’re not here just to show up — we’re here to win.”
Coach Hirsch’s message has been consistent: play fast, stay physical, and believe.
Matchup X-Factors
- Jaydon Blue (DAL): The Falcons struggle against pass-catching backs. Blue could be Milton’s best weapon underneath.
- Kaiir Elam (DAL): Coming off his best game of the season, his ability to neutralize Drake London will be pivotal.
- Bijan Robinson (ATL): The Cowboys can’t let him control the clock — if he hits 25+ touches, Dallas could be in trouble.
- George Pickens (DAL): The vertical threat Atlanta doesn’t have an answer for. Look for at least one deep shot early.
What’s at Stake
For Dallas, this is about more than just advancing — it’s validation. A team counted out at midseason, now standing shoulder to shoulder with the conference’s elite.
For Atlanta, it’s about proving their formula can win in January. A loss here would be devastating for a team that’s built itself on consistency.
The winner could face the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round — setting up a rivalry showdown that fans have been anticipating all year.
Final Word: Hirsch’s Cowboys Aren’t Just Happy to Be Here
They’ve taken every punch, every doubt, every criticism — and turned it into fuel. Joe Milton is no longer “the rookie filling in.” He’s the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, leading a team that has found its voice.
With Jaydon Blue’s explosion, Damone Clark’s leadership, and Coach Hirsch’s steady hand, this Cowboys squad isn’t just in the playoffs — they’re built to make noise.
“We’ve come too far to stop now,” Hirsch said. “We’re not sneaking into this postseason — we’re coming to compete.”
Up Next:
Wild Card Weekend — (6) Dallas Cowboys @ (3) Atlanta Falcons
📍 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
📅 Sunday 4:30 PM EST
🎙 Coverage: PML Network / NFL.com Game of the Week
