Cowboys Break Losing Streak, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive
In a game that displayed a blend of resilience and revitalization, the Dallas Cowboys snapped a five-game losing streak with a determined victory over the Washington Commanders in Week 12. The win wasn’t just a diversion from their struggles; it injected new life into a team desperate for inspiration, with their record now standing at 4-7.
The Cowboys had been mired in disappointment with a 3-7 record, largely due to the absence of key players, including their franchise quarterback and critical components of both their offensive and defensive lines. The return of Brandin Cooks from injured reserve provided a much-needed boost, while DeMarcus Lawrence is anticipated to make his return soon, potentially fortifying the team further.
Under the guidance of head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys navigated through their trials. Reflecting on the challenging times, 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. I know all of us will be better for this experience.” His sentiment speaks to an underlying belief that adversity can transform and strengthen a team.
The game against the Commanders saw an exceptional performance from quarterback Cooper Rush, who completed 24 of 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns, marking career-highs with a completion percentage of 75% and a passer rating of 117.6. This performance could symbolize a turning point for Rush, possibly cementing his role as a reliable asset for the team. His achievements on the field didn’t go unnoticed, as they were a testament to his growth and the team's collective effort.
Jourdan Lewis, reflecting on the team's resurgence, expressed his optimistic outlook. “It feels like that because we know what we're doing,” he remarked. “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 confidence was evident in the poise and execution displayed by the team, a stark contrast to the earlier games this season.
The road ahead remains steep, but there's a glimmer of hope. According to the SportsLine simulation model, the Cowboys have a 1.4% chance of making the postseason. However, their remaining schedule is a promising one, with opposing teams holding a combined win percentage of .448, ranking as the eighth-easiest in the NFL according to Tankathon. History adds an encouraging note: since 1990, seven teams have clawed their way into the postseason after starting with a 4-7 record, including the 2023 Buccaneers.
Jourdan Lewis further emphasized the team's renewed mindset, saying, “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.'” His words encapsulate the essence of a team realigned with its purpose, determined to capitalize on their recent momentum.
The path for Dallas is not without its hurdles, but with key players returning and recent success boosting morale, their chances—though slim—are alive. As the season progresses, the Cowboys will need to harness their newfound confidence and capability to navigate their remaining matchups and keep their playoff dreams within reach.
For now, this victory against the Commanders stands as a beacon of hope, a testament to perseverance and the belief in what the team can still achieve. Whether this marks the beginning of a sustained resurgence or a brief respite in a challenging season remains to be seen, but the Cowboys, under McCarthy's stewardship, are geared to fight until the very end.