After the Cowboys started out 2-3, the season began to look a bit bleak. A win over the Rams brought the Cowboys back to .500, but a drubbing at the hands of the Eagles left the Cowboys under .500, and looking like frauds. Jason Garrett's club responded, though, with a win over Seattle and a dominating win over the Buffalo Bills to bring the Cowboys back above .500, and sitting right in playoff contention.
The Cowboys are now entering the easiest stretch of their schedule, and they must take advantage if they are to be a playoff team in 2011.
Dallas' next three opponents, Washington, Miami and Arizona, are a combined 8-19 this season, with a combined -92 point differential.
None of Dallas' next three opponents have a viable quarterback, either. Washington boasts the dangerous tag-team duo of Rex Grossman and John Beck, while the Dolphins have Matt Moore under center. Arizona's starter, Kevin Kolb, has been ineffective all season and is nursing a toe injury that has kept him out since Week 9. John Skelton has been starting in Kolb's place for the Cardinals.
The Cowboys have a golden opportunity in front of them to improve to 8-4 prior to Week 14's showdown with the NFC East leading New York Giants. New York, meanwhile, has to play Philadelphia, New Orleans and Green Bay prior to Week 14.
We'll see if they can seize this opportunity, starting on Sunday against the hapless Redskins.