Cowboys Snap Losing Streak, Glimpse Hope for Playoff Push
The Dallas Cowboys have finally turned the tide, breaking free from a five-game losing streak with a much-needed victory against the Washington Commanders in Week 12. This win elevates the Cowboys' record to 4-7, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging season marred by injuries and setbacks.
Much of the Cowboys' struggles this season stemmed from missing key players, including their franchise quarterback and vital components of both the offensive and defensive lines. However, resilience seems to be the lesson learned, as expressed by head coach Mike McCarthy. “As a staff, this is very challenging. As we've talked as a staff, we'll be better coaches because of this experience... If you're going to coach in this league, you have to be able to coach through these times. I know all of us will be better for this experience,” McCarthy stated, highlighting the trials his team has endured.
The return of wide receiver Brandin Cooks from injured reserve marked a pivotal point for the team's offense, and there's optimism around the anticipated return of defensive stalwart DeMarcus Lawrence. Meanwhile, quarterback Cooper Rush rose to the occasion, delivering an impressive performance by completing 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. His completion percentage of 75% and a passer rating of 117.6 were both career-highs, showcasing his emerging confidence and ability to lead the team.
Reflecting on the game, Cowboys defensive back Jourdan Lewis added, “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. 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.” This statement underscores a newfound unity and readiness to tackle the challenges ahead.
Despite the recent victory, the road to the postseason remains steep. The SportsLine simulation model offers a sobering assessment, giving the Cowboys just a 1.4% chance of making it to the playoffs. Yet, when examining their schedule, there's a silver lining. The remaining opponents have a combined win percentage of .448, placing the Cowboys with the eighth-easiest remaining schedule according to Tankathon analysis.
Hope lingers, knowing that since 1990, seven teams have clawed their way into the postseason after starting 4-7. The 2023 Buccaneers serve as a recent example of a team that defied the odds to secure a playoff berth under similar circumstances.
For a team long steeped in a tradition of competitiveness, the sentiment expressed by Lewis captures the heart of the Cowboys’ renewed determination. “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.'” It’s this belief that the Cowboys will lean on as they forge ahead in pursuit of salvaging their season.
With a coaching staff determined to emerge stronger from adversity and players like Rush and Lewis finding their stride, the Dallas Cowboys are far from conceding their season. Whether this marks the beginning of a comeback narrative remains to be seen, but for now, fans are treated to a flicker of optimism that seemed so elusive just weeks ago.