Cowboys with an opportunity to make a massive statement

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Everything seems to be clicking for America’s Team, but the next month will give us a better idea of where they stand.

With a record of 8-3, few doubt they will make the playoffs for a third successive campaign, but are the Dallas Cowboys for real?

They’re coming off three straight blowout victories and are taking on a team in decline on Thursday in the Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle has lost three of their last four games, scoring fewer than 20 points in each of those defeats, so win or lose that one, it’s doubtful that’ll silence the Cowboy naysayers.

After that, though, there is an opportunity for Mike McCarthy crew to make a statement before the start of 2024.

Time for the Cowboys to step up

Those who are unconvinced about the Cowboys are quick to point out how easy their schedule has been in 2023.

Indeed, this team has had its share of weak opponents, with nine of its 11 games coming against teams currently boasting a record below .500.

According to ESPN Analytics, Dallas has the third-easiest strength of schedule entering Week 12.

To their credit, though, Dallas are not just winning those games but blowing out the opposition.

That is encouraging to show others you aren’t merciful, while also displaying the capability of meeting expectations.

In a way, it’s an unwinnable situation for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.

If you win big, people will doubt you for not facing a tough team.

Should you lose or win narrowly, the doubters will call you overrated and say, “I told you so.”

If the Cowboys can take care of business between now and the end of the year, though, it should convert at least a few critics into believers.

Their next five games will be against teams currently with a .500 record or better heading into Week 12.

Three of those opponents (Miami, Philadelphia, and Detroit) have records that are either identical or superior to the Cowboys’.

Two of the three Cowboys losses this season were against teams with a winning record, in San Francisco and Philly.

Massive Test

The Seahawks, on paper, appear to be ripe for the picking.

However, this is still a team in the hunt for the post-season.

At this stage of the season, the Cowboys will have to bring their A-game, as desperate teams in must-win situations can often take their game to another level.

The job after that will get even more challenging for Dallas, both offensively and defensively.

The Miami Dolphins lead the NFL in total yards and passing yards while sitting second in rushing and third regarding sacks.

Detroit is second in total yards and third in passing, while Buffalo is fourth and fifth in those respective categories.

Philly, meanwhile, has the best overall record in the NFL (10-1), so the job between now and the end of the year only gets tougher.

Dallas wraps up the regular season with a visit to the US capital to face the Washington Commanders.

Will five consecutive victories change the tune of all critics?

It’s unlikely, but it’s sure to make NFC playoff teams weary about potentially facing them.