The Dallas Cowboys breathed a sigh of relief this past weekend, ending their five-game losing streak with a much-needed victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. This win nudged their season record to 4-7, a beacon of hope for a team that has seen its roster plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
Overcoming Adversity
It's been a challenging season for the Cowboys, who have grappled with significant absences, including their franchise quarterback and key players from both offensive and defensive lines. The return of wide receiver Brandin Cooks from injured reserve was a breath of fresh air for a team fighting to regain its footing. DeMarcus Lawrence's anticipated return also promises to strengthen the Cowboys' defense moving forward.
Despite an arduous journey, head coach Mike McCarthy remains optimistic. Reflecting on the season's hurdles, McCarthy shared, “As a staff, this is very challenging. As we've talked as a staff, we'll be better coaches because of this experience... It's really when and who [gets injured], the timing of it, getting the young guys ready to play as fast as possible... I know all of us will be better for this experience.” His words underscore the resilience and adaptability the Cowboys have needed to exhibit this season.
Quarterback Spark
Quarterback Cooper Rush stepped up remarkably in the recent tilt against the Commanders, completing 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Achieving career-highs in completion percentage (75%) and passer rating (117.6), Rush delivered a standout performance amid mounting pressure. This spark from the backup quarterback could prove pivotal as the Cowboys aim to defy the odds and make a late-season push.
A Slim Path to the Playoffs
According to the SportsLine simulation model, the Cowboys currently have a meager 1.4% chance of securing a postseason berth. Despite the daunting odds, there's a silver lining in their remaining schedule—the Cowboys face opponents with a combined win percentage of .448, ranking them with the eighth-easiest remaining schedule in the NFL according to Tankathon.
Historically, it’s not impossible to claw back from a 4-7 start—since 1990, seven teams have done so, including the 2023 Buccaneers, who fought their way into the postseason under similar circumstances.
The Road Ahead
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis expressed confidence in his team's ability to execute and finish strong. “It feels like that because we know what we're doing… So it feels good. We've been pretty good historically in the past. So we definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games,” Lewis said, highlighting the team's internal belief and historic resilience.
The Cowboys' recent win against a division rival has restored some momentum. “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,’” Lewis added.
While the odds may be slim, the Cowboys' path forward is buoyed by a combination of renewed internal belief and strategically advantageous scheduling. In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where narratives shift with each passing week, Dallas will look to carry forward their newfound momentum, leveraging returning talent and cohesive team play to defy the odds and script an unlikely comeback story.