Championship-contending teams like the Dallas Cowboys have multiple litmus tests during a season. This week they had to show they were capable of bouncing back from an embarrassing performance and a disappointing loss. The Atlanta Falcons came in winning three of their last four games. A poor team, riding momentum, and trending upwards coming into town. If the Cowboys overlooked them like they did the Denver Broncos, then this could have turned November into a nightmare month for Dallas.
The Cowboys came in prepared, motivated, and took care of business early so they could rest starters in the fourth quarter. Finishing the game with Cooper Rush at quarterback, Cory Clement at running back, Connor McGovern on the offensive line and Sean Mckeon at tight end was the perfect result, and now they can move on to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Litmus test games always give teams a lot to learn, and even in a blowout, the Cowboys gained plenty to take with them going forward for the rest of the season.