Since 1997, the Dallas Cowboys have won only one postseason game. They have finished 8-8 three seasons and a row, and narrowly missed the playoffs each time. For a franchise steeped in prolonged success, the recent mediocrity has been an unacceptable embarrassment. This franchise and its fans expect nothing less than Super Bowl victories, and with six impressive wins through eight games in 2014, it seems that “Big D” might finally be back on track for just that.
There are many reasons for the resurgence of the Cowboys as Super Bowl contenders, but it all begins with the ground attack. The Cowboys are far and away the NFL’s most prolific rushing offense, posting five yards per game more than the second best team (Dallas averages 153 to Seattle’s 148). Until Sunday’s loss to Arizona, running back DeMarco Murray had broken the century mark in all eight games this season, besting and building upon Jim Brown’s record of six 100-yard games to open the season.
Even more impressive is the play and endurance of the Dallas offensive line. Tyron Smith, Ronald Leary, Travis Frederick, Zack Martin, and Doug Free have dominated every defense they have engaged this season. Smith earned AP Player of the Week honors—the first for an offensive lineman since 2004—and Martin is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. The only notable injury sustained by the unit has cost Free three games, but he is expected to return soon. Jeremy Parnell has filled in adequately in the meantime.
Tony Romo is infamous for his ill-timed interceptions, but with a historically productive running game to lean on, he has cut down considerably on turnovers, surrendering only four since week one.
Another advantage allowed by a dominant ground game is that it disguises a defense that lacks talent. Entering the season, the Cowboys defense looked to be one of the worst units ever assembled, and that was before losing middle linebacker Sean Lee to a torn ACL, projected rookie starter DeMarcus Lawrence to a broken foot, and top defensive back Orlando Scandrick to a four-game suspension.
Nevertheless, the Cowboys have played great defense through eight games this season, not because they are particularly deep or talented on that side of the ball, but because the offense consistently wins time of possession. The run game keeps the defense fresh and off the field with long, time-consuming scoring drives. That said, one must still acknowledge the stellar play of guys like Rolando McClain and Justin Durant (the latter of whom is now unfortunately out for the season with a bicep injury).
Finally, to top it all off, Dan Bailey is the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
The remaining schedule for the Cowboys is not an easy one. Coming off two consecutive losses at home against Washington and Arizona, Dallas must face the Redskins once again, the Colts, and the Eagles twice in the coming weeks.
It does not help that Tony Romo’s playing status is uncertain. Romo, initially believed to have sustained only a contusion, has fractured bones in his back. He is tentatively expected to endure the pain, and return to action in Dallas’ overseas matchup with the Jaguars. If Romo and the Cowboys are true contenders, now is the time to prove it.
If they maintain their success, it is entirely feasible for the Cowboys to sweep the NFL Awards this season. Murray could win MVP, Rolando McClain could be Comeback Player of the Year, Zack Martin could receive Rookie of the Year honors, and Jason Garrett is a candidate for Coach of the Year. The Lombardi Trophy would trump them all though, and, for the first time in a long time, that, too, is entirely possible.
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