The Dallas Cowboys have most definitely earned their “road warriors” nickname. The Cowboys will close out regular season play with a perfect 8-0 record for games played away from Dallas.
In order to get there, they had to get past the Washington Redskins, a team that previously upset mutual NFC East rivals in the Philadelphia Eagles.
The key difference in the outcome of that game and this season-ender is that Cowboys had no intention of showing any respect to the home team.
Photo Gallery: Cowboys vs. Redskins http://t.co/8TS7UhzpLi pic.twitter.com/lm5M0TEBvz
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 29, 2014
Much credit must be given to the Dallas Cowboys’ defense, whose dominance led to multiple turnovers. This included a late fumble and touchdown that added insult to injury.
The game ended 44-17 and marked yet another ferocious performance by the Cowboys. Last week, the Dallas Cowboys clinched the NFC East after a decisive 42-7 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
Following this win, the Dallas Cowboys will be the third seed in the NFC behind the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
Seahawks defend the West and repeat as division champions! #NFCWestChamps #STLvsSEA pic.twitter.com/mlg3yHyeqq
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 29, 2014
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was feeling particularly smug about his team’s showing.
Said Jones, “Right before people’s eyes, we have basically torn it up in December.”
Unlike other teams that were comfortably through to the playoffs, the Cowboys saw all its major starters play. It was a risky move to be sure as a few injuries at this stage could prove disastrous for postseason aspirations.
But it seemed the Cowboys were far more concerned with maintaining a positive psychological momentum going forward. Given their fearsome performances at home and away in December, it’s likely the team will feel very good about its chances in January.
This game was also significant to franchise history.
VIDEO: @DezBryant Sets Club Record With 16th TD Of Season http://t.co/NFmMYk0ic7 pic.twitter.com/EOFmh7K9VR
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 28, 2014
Running back DeMarco Murray surpassed former Cowboys player Emmitt Smith’s franchise record for most rushing yards in a single season. He’ll end the season with 1,773 yards.
During this same game, Dez Bryant broke the record for most touchdown catches during a single season. In fact, Bryant ran for his 16th within a play of Murray shattering the rushing record.
VIDEO: @DeMarcoMurray Breaks @EmmittSmith22 ‘s Single Season Record http://t.co/9JysHOLQzy pic.twitter.com/f6YxdlTIlG
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) December 28, 2014
Although the Cowboys missed out on an opportunity at a home field advantage, given their previous record, the team likely feels very confident about being able to travel in the postseason.
There will be no bye for the Cowboys, but the momentum gained through recent performances could inspire this Dallas team to go far during the playoffs.
Some inspired Cowboys fans are already whispering about a potential Super Bowl appearance.
Do you think a strong 12-4 season end is a sign that the Dallas Cowboys have a chance at making it to the Super Bowl?
[Image Credit: Dallas Cowboys Official Twitter ]