Just over half an hour before facing the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys secured a spot in the playoffs. However, after a 31-10 defeat to the Bills, the significance of the playoff berth seemed to diminish for the team. The loss dropped the Cowboys to a 10-4 record, positioning them on a potential path that involves winning three playoff games away from home, provided the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers don’t falter in the final weeks.
Quarterback Dak Prescott, indifferent to the playoff qualification, remarked, “Didn’t pay attention to that. Don’t care, to be honest.” Despite acknowledging it as a season goal, Prescott emphasized the team’s current focus on delivering consistent performances. The Cowboys can still win the NFC East, but their chances depend on the Eagles losing two of their final four games.
The disparity between the Cowboys’ home and away performance is notable. They boast a perfect 7-0 record at AT&T Stadium, scoring an average of 39.9 points and 431.7 yards per game, while their road record stands at 3-4, with averages of 21.7 points and 304.6 yards per game. Coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged this gap, calling it “unacceptable” and stressing the need for improvement on the road.
The Cowboys’ defensive struggles were evident in their recent loss to the Bills, who ran for 266 yards. Looking ahead, the Cowboys face tough opponents with strong rushing offenses. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis recognizes the need for improvement but remains optimistic about addressing the issues.
Despite being the first Dallas team to qualify for the postseason in three consecutive seasons in over two decades, the Cowboys are aware of the challenges they face on the road. Linebacker Micah Parsons emphasized the importance of becoming “road warriors” to succeed in the playoffs.
In retrospect, the Cowboys haven’t had a prolonged playoff streak since 1991-1996, coinciding with their last three Super Bowl victories. The team’s last NFC Championship Game win away from home dates back to 1992. As the Cowboys approach the playoffs, they acknowledge the necessity of bridging the performance gap between home and away games to have a shot at reaching the Super Bowl.
