After looking over the specifics of this game, you really won't find a more even matchup in an NFL playoff game.  First, let's look statistically:
 
Let's start with rush defense:  Minnesota is ranked 2nd giving up 87.1 yards a game. Dallas is ranked fourth at about 90 yards a game - a 3 yard difference. Passing defense - again both teams are close right in the middle of the pack with Minnesota giving up 218 yards a game to Dallas giving up 225.
 

OK - now on to the pass defense. The Cowboys base nickel package on 3rd down is what is called a 2-4-5 set. The 2 defensive lineman are Ratliff and usually Bowen, the 4 linebackers are Ware, Spencer, Carpenter and either Brooking or James.  The 5 defensive backs are Jenkins, Newman, Scandrick, Sensabaugh and either Ball or Hamlin. Ware and Spencer line up on the ends to either rush the passer or drop into the flat using a hook zone technique to spy running backs.
 

Thought I would dive in to our defense a little this morning as I , along with the rest of you, wait for the game later tonight...So the question is, why is our defense so much better this year?  The answer - the additions of Brooking, Sensabaugh, Olshansky and the emergence of Jenkins.
 
Now while that may seem obvious, very few people dive into "why". It is just the usual "they are all upgrades that made us better", etc. While that is a valid point, again "why?"
 

OK - I will make this brief because today's games are about to start and I don't want to miss any of the action :)
 
I will give a current assessment, all my opinions only of course, of the good and bad for this team going into the postseason and our overall chances.