By Robert MarviShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberJust a few weeks ago, the Dallas Cowboys looked to be sinking in quicksand. They had a 3-5-1 record after losing to the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3, and their playoff hopes were all but gone.
But they have now won three straight games, and they seem to be very much alive and kicking. They mounted a historic comeback from a 21-0 deficit to defeat the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday, and on Thanksgiving, they pulled off a 31-28 win over the three-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.
With a 6-5-1 mark, the Cowboys still have plenty of work to do if they are to reach the postseason. But Ryan Clark, the former NFL safety who is currently an analyst for ESPN, said on "First Take" that they can win the NFC with the way quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing.
"They're legitimate threats because I believe the quarterback is different," Clark said. "We always point to Dak Prescott underperforming in the most important moments. Well, there's been no more important moments, at least in his career thus far, than the last two weeks.
"... they are absolutely true threats to be NFC Champions."
Read more: Shedeur Sanders Drops Concerning Comments About Starting for Browns
While Prescott hasn't looked like an MVP candidate in Dallas' last two wins, he has played solid football during that time. He entered Friday with a league-high 75.5 QBR, and he's also second in passing yards per game and is tied for second with 25 passing touchdowns.
...The emergence of George Pickens as a legitimate wide receiver threat alongside four-time wideout CeeDee Lamb has elevated the Cowboys. He has put up 21 catches for 378 yards and two touchdowns in the last three games, and as Clark alluded to, opponents now have to pick their poison when they face Dallas.
Dallas' defense, which was thought to be a weakness a little earlier this season, has also improved somewhat of late. However, the team still has some potential pitfalls ahead.
Read more: Stephen A Smith Hits 49ers With Huge Reality Check After Panthers Win
Its defense allowed Patrick Mahomes to throw for 261 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions on Thursday while giving up 137 rushing yards on 26 carries. Overall, its defense still ranks 31st in points allowed, 29th in total yards allowed and dead last in passing touchdowns given up.
If the Cowboys are to make the playoffs, they will likely have to defeat the Detroit Lions on the road next Thursday, which would be no small feat. If they get there, Prescott will have to go against several years of documented evidence and actually play up to his full ability, something he hasn't exactly done.
But at least now there is some tangible reason for hope when it comes to the Cowboys, a franchise that hasn't won the Super Bowl championship or gotten to the NFC Championship Game since the 1995 season.
For more on the Cowboys and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
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