In a much-needed victory for the Dallas Cowboys, the team managed to halt a five-game losing skid with an assertive win over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. This triumph nudged the Cowboys' record to 4-7, offering a glimmer of hope for a team beleaguered by injuries and inconsistency.
Overcoming Adversity
The Cowboys' struggles this season can largely be attributed to missing key players, including their franchise quarterback and crucial components of both their offensive and defensive lines. The return of Brandin Cooks from injured reserve provided a vital boost to their lineup. Furthermore, the possible return of defensive stalwart DeMarcus Lawrence signals a potential turnaround in the Cowboys' fortunes.
Head Coach Mike McCarthy has remained pragmatic in the face of adversity. He remarked, “As a staff, this is very challenging. As we've talked as a staff, we'll be better coaches because of this experience. I believe that. I've experienced it in the past. That's what this league's about. It's not about players getting injured. It's really when and who, the timing of it, getting the young guys ready to play as fast as possible.”
Stepping Up and Delivering
Stepping up in the absence of the main quarterback, backup quarterback Cooper Rush delivered an admirable performance. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing career-highs in both completion percentage (75%) and passer rating (117.6). His effective gameplay not only helped dismantle the Commanders but also instilled confidence in the rest of the team.
Defensive back Jourdan Lewis commented on the squad's renewed cohesion, “It feels like that because we know what we're doing. We know what we're doing, and guys are playing hard. We're executing the right way from all 11 of us on the field.” Lewis highlighted the sense of shared understanding and effort that permeated the recent victory, fostering a renewed belief that the team could indeed close out games successfully.
Hope on the Horizon?
The Cowboys' mathematical chances of making the postseason are slim, hovering at just 1.4% according to the SportsLine simulation model. However, the team is buoyed by a relatively favorable schedule—the eighth-easiest remaining in the NFL, per Tankathon. Their opponents have a combined win percentage of .448, presenting opportunities for the Cowboys to make a late-season push.
Since 1990, seven teams have defied the odds to make the playoffs after starting 4-7, an encouraging statistic that includes the 2023 Buccaneers. Though the path ahead is undoubtedly challenging, history suggests that an improbable postseason run remains within the realm of possibility.
A United Front
The Cowboys, united in their pursuit of turning the season around, reflect a collective resilience. As Lewis put it, “That's the plan. As a football player, as a competitor, we want to win games. We saw we were playing good ball the last few weeks. Everything as a team, it wasn't coming together. It came together in a better way last week, and I feel like that gave us the belief to say, 'We all can play good ball and win out.'”
As they prepare for the final stretch of the season, the Cowboys aim to capitalize on the momentum gained from their recent victory. With key players returning and newfound confidence among the ranks, Dallas fans can hope that this win marks the beginning of a more consistent and successful performance trajectory.