After losing 42-10 to San Francisco in Week 5, the Cowboys had something to prove. They had to prove to themselves, their fans, and the world, they could compete against the best.
Dallas’ five wins in 2023 were against fairly inferior opponents. The Cowboys had a growing reputation of being a team that could bully the little guy but would wilt under the pressure when faced with a worthy opponent.
Against Philadelphia, they had an opportunity to silence critics and put themselves in the conversation as a legit postseason challenger. They also had a prime opportunity to close the gap on the division and send their rivals into the bye week on a sour note.
Alas, none of that was to be. Dallas lost 28-23 in a nailbiter. They kept their critics energized and dug themselves a hole to climb from, siting three wins behind the Eagles at the season’s midpoint.
The numbers break down the good, bad and what lies ahead.