The Dallas Cowboys improved to 11-4 on the season, and with the win over the Philadelphia Eagles Saturday, Dallas is now 6-1 against teams with winning records.
As someone who is battled tested, only witnessing three playoff wins in my 26 years as a fan, it is nice to see the Cowboys winning games against “good” teams this season.
Those six wins came against four teams that, if the playoffs ended today, would be playing a playoff game.
It started in week two against the Bengals. Cooper Rush’s first start this season ended with a Brett Maher game-winning field goal. The Cowboys won that game 20-17.
They then went on the road the following week and beat the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium 23-16.
They followed that with a victory over the Washington Commanders 25-10.
The Cowboys then hit a part of the schedule that saw them match up with some teams not meeting expectations this year. They walked into U.S Bank Stadium in week 11 and dominated the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Minnesota Vikings, 40-3.
They took care of the Giants on Thanksgiving afternoon 28-20, and the victory over the Eagles 40-34 on Christmas eve pushed their record to 6-1 on the season.
The lone loss came on the road against Philly, a game they dropped 26-17 but kept close for much of the second half.
We can all agree that, at times, the Cowboys have played to the level of their competition this season. They once again handled the NFC East this season, which would include all four teams if the playoffs ended today.
On the same token, the Cowboys are winning games that they usually lose.
Yes, they had two games this season against the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars in which they had a two-score lead and lost, but the wins over teams with winning records make me wonder if this team could be a little different.
I understand they have to win in the playoffs, and they will beat whomever they play in the first round.
Cowboys are 6-1 this year against teams with winning records. Despite some injuries and question marks, that alone should tell you there’s a chance things could — COULD — be different this year. They typically have played their best when their best is needed.
— Rob Phillips (@robphillips3) December 25, 2022
I agree with Rob Phillips. Despite some injuries and other question marks throughout the season, they have found ways to win 11 games thus far — six of which being against teams with winning records that are likely to play in the postseason.
I have been a part of the negative talk myself, but Mike McCarthy has done a decent job of getting this team to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
Heading into week 17, the Cowboys have yet to lose two games in a row.
Let that sink in for a bit.
We always want to focus on the negative, but it’s Christmas, the team didn’t ruin it, and they are 11-4!
We saw today that if the game is not perfect on the ground or on the defensive side of the ball, Dak Prescott can still get it done with his arm.
This is the Prescott the Cowboys will need come playoff time.
I hope all the fans out there have a great day with family and a Merry Christmas. Enjoy the three football games today, and let’s be happy the Cowboys didn’t spoil our day and hope for more wins to come!
