The Dallas Cowboys finally found their stride in Week 12 of the NFL season, breaking a frustrating five-game losing streak with a spirited victory over the Washington Commanders. This hard-fought win has improved their season record to 4-7, reviving dim hopes for a postseason berth.
Key Players Return
The Cowboys' struggles earlier this season can be largely attributed to missing several critical players, including their franchise quarterback. With the lineup further depleted by absences on both the offensive and defensive lines, the team found itself fighting an uphill battle from the outset. However, Week 12 marked the return of Brandin Cooks from injured reserve, providing a much-needed boost to the roster.
Looking forward, there's optimism surrounding the anticipated return of DeMarcus Lawrence, which is expected to further strengthen the defensive lineup. The Cowboys' head coach, Mike McCarthy, emphasized the resilience and learnings that come from enduring such challenges. “As a staff, this is very challenging,” he noted. “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.”
Cooper Rush Shines
One of the game's standout performers was quarterback Cooper Rush, who turned in a career-best performance against the Commanders. Rush completed 24 of 32 passes, amassing 247 yards and two touchdowns. His exceptional play was crucial in the team's victory, as he recorded career-highs in both completion percentage (75%) and passer rating (117.6).
The positive morale following the win has been palpable within the team. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis expressed the collective confidence, saying, “It feels like that because we know what we’re doing, and guys are playing hard... We definitely have that confidence in each other that we can go out there and finish games.”
Postseason Prospects
Despite the encouraging victory, the Cowboys face a daunting challenge ahead. Currently, they have a slim 1.4% chance of making the playoffs, according to the SportsLine simulation model. Nevertheless, their remaining opponents have a collective win percentage of .448, making it the eighth-easiest schedule in the league as per Tankathon. This factor could potentially work in their favor as they aim for a miraculous turnaround.
Historically, teams starting the season at 4-7 have overcome the odds, as evidenced by seven teams since 1990 achieving postseason appearances, including the 2023 Buccaneers. The Cowboys' path will require not only winning games but also a bit of luck with other NFC teams’ performances.
Building Momentum
Jourdan Lewis, reinforcing the team's determination, remarked, “That’s the plan. As a football player, as a competitor, we want to win games... 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.’” This renewed sense of belief could prove crucial in the Cowboys' remaining games.
The Dallas Cowboys, under the leadership of Mike McCarthy, are not giving up the fight. As they eye the challenges ahead, their focus must be on leveraging the easier schedule and keeping the momentum alive. If history is any guide, there's always a reason to believe in the extraordinary within the NFL. With key players returning and the team finding its rhythm, the Cowboys might just have what it takes to turn the season around, albeit with the odds stacked against them.