Dallas Cowboys have one way to prove they belong as an elite team

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After the Dallas Cowboys runaway train came to a screeching halt in Buffalo, America’s Team has much to prove this weekend.

Throughout the 2023 season, this team has been criticized for not stepping up enough in big moments against the elite teams.

The memory of a 33-13 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium has been erased by what this team showed at Orchard Park last Sunday, losing 31-10 to the Bills.

They say you’re only as good as your last game, and if that’s true, then the Cowboy’s visit to Miami Beach on Sunday needs to be a lot better.

While both teams will be in the postseason, it’s a must-win in the psychological department for each.

Proving they belong

Sunday’s game is crucial for the Cowboys in the race for the NFC East and for Dak Prescott and company to show they’re one of the big boys.

Two of Dallas’ final three regular-season affairs are on the road, where this team has won three times in 2023.

None of those victories came against teams above .500, with the Cowboys 0-3 away from home against clubs with a winning record.

They’re currently even with the Eagles for first in the division at 10-4.

Their final road game before the playoffs will be against the Washington Commanders.

Sunday’s tilt against Miami is Dallas’ last regular season opportunity to prove they can beat a formidable opponent outside of Big D.

Meanwhile, the 49ers will clinch home-field advantage in the NFC by winning just two of their final three games.

Therefor there’s a good chance the Cowboys will have to win on the road if they are to reach the Super Bowl this season.

For Miami, it’s also a significant opportunity to make a statement.

Mike McDaniel’s group is seeking a first-round bye and is also out to prove they’re a contending team.

They trail the Baltimore Ravens for first overall in the AFC and have the Chiefs just a game behind them in the race for a bye into the Divisional Round.

The Dolphins have yet to beat a team above .500 in 2023, suffering losses to the Chiefs, Eagles and Bills.

Their final three contests this season are all against teams with winning records: The Cowboys, Ravens and Buffalo.

Offensive Juggernauts

When you have the likes of Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Raheem Mostert, Tua Tagovailoa and potentially Tyreek Hill on the field, you expect to see a lot of points.

These are the two highest-scoring teams in the NFL, with the Phins averaging 31.5 a game and Dallas at 30.8.

While they’ve each been incredibly potent offensively, they’ll both be facing some strong cover games.

DaRon Bland leads the league in interceptions (eight), Stephon Gilmore has 12 passes defended, and Miami’s Jalen Ramsey is among the leaders in Pro Bowl voting with three picks.

The Cowboys’ defense has given up the third-fewest passing yards per game (176.6), while the Dolphins D allows the fourth-fewest overall yards per game (293.4).

For as potent as each side is offensively, their games will only get more complicated from here, and Sunday will give us a better idea of just how good they both are.