Every sport consists of teams that are on another tier in terms of popularity and success.
While success has been difficult to come by recently with their last NFL championship coming in 1996, the Dallas Cowboys are still regarded as one of the biggest franchises across America and the world.
“America’s team” is often the nickname used for the five-time Super Bowl champions.
It came about from the 1978 highlight film where narrator, John Facenda, appeared with the opening line, “They appear on television so often that their faces are as similar to the public as presidents and movie stars. They are the Dallas Cowboys, America’s team.”
Financially, the Cowboys are the richest franchise in world sports according to Forbes, valued at a staggering $8 billion spearheaded by owner Jerry Jones.
‘Almost’ is the word most associated with this group that has performed below par for many years now.
They always have some promising players on their roster and deceive many fans and pundits with great performances in the regular season, only to collapse in the post-season or the latter stages of the season where so much is riding on the line.
Dak Prescott (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
It is hard to remember the last time when the Cowboys were seen as the finished article and mentally strong enough to go all the way.
This time around, however, everything is seeming to be falling into place for a team most recently known as a laughing stock.
For starters, the NFC East is the most competitive division in the entire league.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
2. Dallas Cowboys (12-4)
3. New York Giants (9-6)
The Eagles have been absolutely phenomenal throughout the season led by star quarterback Jalen Hurts, seemingly virtually unstoppable.
Last week the Cowboys were able to take down Philadelphia 40-34, despite the absence of Hurts. In years gone past, it would be normal for Dallas to mentally crumble under the pressure. Instead, they were able to weather the storm of the Eagles’ relentless fighting spirit to send a message to the rest of the NFL.
Psychologically is where they have improved by making better decisions and taking fewer risks as well as the defence standing strong in most outings.
This all comes down to head coach Mike McCarthy who in the past has been criticised for his play calls and conservative approach.
In his third year at the helm of the Cowboys, those critics all remain silent for the meantime. The 59-year-old has adjusted his tactics both offensively and defensively, relying on his experience from his Super Bowl win as coach of the Green Bay Packers.
Ranked 11th in the league for points against in 2022, the defensive line of the Cowboys has been the core to their success with safety Jayron Kearse proving to be pivotal.
Offences win you games, but defences win you championships. With the ambition of Super Bowl glory in mind, the backline is capable of shutting down almost any of the top teams come playoff time.
Early on in the opening week of the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a continued misfortune of injury luck hit Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott once again, giving McCarthy a headache when he came back into the side.
Why? Because back-up quarterback Cooper Rush was influential in guiding Dallas to four wins in a row after that loss to Tampa Bay.
Two interceptions against a poor Tennessee Titans unit on Friday took Prescott’s tally up to 14 interceptions in his 11 appearances this campaign.
If the Cowboys are to lift the Lombardy Trophy, the errors on Prescott’s end desperately need to be lowered.
He has the ability to carry the side with the passing game, but the run game is just as deadly with running back Ezekiel Elliott providing such a massive threat.
The big question remains whether the defence of Dallas can withstand the constant pressure of a thriving offence such as the Chiefs or the Bills who will punish any mistake gifted to them.
For now at least, the signs look positive and the improvements are visibly noticeable.
“America’s team” truly believe that this is their moment.
Just like the Cowboys’ 1978 highlight film, this could be a thrilling movie to look back on for years to come.
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Laughing stock in the sense that they always find a way to shoot themselves in the foot. As Stephen A. Smith always says about the cowboys, “what can go wrong, will go wrong”
Sheikh
Roar Rookie
"This time around, however, everything is seeming to be falling into place for a team most recently known as a laughing stock." I'm not sure I've ever heard of the Cowboys being referred to as a laughing stock. In the last 20 years they've only had four losing seasons: 2020: 6-10, largely through injuries, especially to Dak Prescott. 2015: 4-12, largely through injuries, especially to Tony Romo. 2010: 6-10, largely through the disastrous coaching of Wade Phillips. 2004: 6-10, multiple reasons, including cutting their starting QB in pre-season and Jerry Jones' meddling. I know a number of teams who have been considered laughing stocks who would love to only have 4 losing seasons in the last 20 (including my Bengals!)
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Despite Hurts not being available against the Cowboys as in it makes Dallas’ win over Phily slightly less meaningful in a way. No doubt Hurts has been exceptional but I feel as though the games he has missed might cost him the MVP crown. Mahomes has been consistent throughout
Mark
Guest
I'm a little unsure why you said despite Hurts not being there for the Eagles, don't you mean because. Hurts has been just as phenomenal for the Eagles this year, and with him being injured, it has shown with them losing to the Saints this weekend as well. TBH there is a much better case to be made that he should be MVP rather than Mahomes this year.
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Obviously comparing Mahomes and Brady right at this very moment is unfair considering where they both are in their careers which some people have done. Both in their prime, the most impressive aspect of their respective games is the ability to move out of the pocket and make plays out of nothing. Mahomes has extra wheels while making incredible plays on the run which make him such an exciting athlete to watch. His full season debut as a starter was just incredible to witness. I think he’ll win the MVP once again. As for Brady, it’s been a poor season for him, but his most recent win against the Panthers yesterday proves that experience is still important and all he needs is a few games to get himself and the Bucs clicking so it’s it would be wrong to count a champion out.
Dingo
Roar Rookie
How do you rate Mahomes Christian?? As a reasonably new fan to the NFL (since 2017) I used to only watch the Superbowls. Obviously Brady has the best record, but watching Mahomes this year he has been outstanding. He does things that other QBs wouldn’t attempt. Do you think he will get MVP this year?
Christian Montegan
Roar Pro
Can’t disagree with any of that. I think the Eagles will be good enough to regroup and find their best form again come the postseason. Prescott has a mistake or two in him which would worry me if I were a Cowboy fan
Dingo
Roar Rookie
Good article Christian. With the Eagles faltering at the wrong time and the Cowboys performing, they look the team to beat in the NFC. They have a really good chance to win the NFC. However they would be underdogs if they make it to the Super Bowl and have to face the Chiefs, Bills or Bengals. The AFC will take shape in a few hours when the Bills play Bengals. As a Chiefs fan I’m hoping for a Bengals win. I also think Mahomes, Allen and Burrow are more complete than Prescott this year.