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The Dallas Cowboys had a huge victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night to improve to 6-1. Cowboys star quarterback Dak Prescott was out due to a calf injury, which made backup QB Cooper Rush the starter. Being able to win with a second-string signal-caller is not an easy feat in the NFL, but the Cowboys were able to get it done.
This was a big win for them as the NFC is loaded with talent. It is a level playing field with the Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers also starting strong. Following the Cowboys' 20-16 win, they stay in contention for the number one seed in the NFC.
Here are three Cowboys takeaways from their Week 8 win over the Vikings.
3. They have the top wide receiver core
The Cowboys' offense has been excellent this season, largely due to their wide receiver core. Amari Cooper was established as a star WR, but the emergence of second-year upstart CeeDee Lamb has put the offense over the top. Michael Gallup is another solid wide receiver who has been sidelined since getting injured in Week 1. This has led to Cedrick Wilson getting more opportunities, which he has thrived in.
Against the Vikings, Cooper, Lamb, and Wilson combined for 17 receptions for 318 yards and two touchdowns. With Gallup expected to be back sometime in the coming weeks, Prescott will have four reliable weapons to throw to.
2. The defense is good
Last season, the Cowboys had one of the worst defenses in the NFL. They were an atrocious defensive unit, a key reason why they didn't win the NFC East. This season, Mike McCarthy's team has played at a high level, including the defense. Budding star Trevon Diggs has been a big reason for this change as he has been creating turnovers left and right.
Diggs leads the league in multiple defensive categories, including interceptions with seven and defensive touchdowns with two. His breakout season has helped the Cowboys become a premier defensive unit. They held the Vikings to 16 points while stopping them on almost every third down as the Vikings only converted one out of 13. With a consistent defense, the Cowboys are going to be a tough out in the NFL Playoffs.
1. Cowboys are a contender
While the NFC is full of great teams, the Cowboys have proven they are a contender for the Super Bowl. McCarthy has redeemed himself as a coach after struggling in his first year with the team. They have an elite offense paired with a rising defense that has been improving every game. After years of fans claiming the Cowboys will win the Super Bowl, they have a legitimate shot at pulling it off.
Many have been drawn to the passing game and improved defense, but the running game has gone under the radar. Star running back Ezekiel Elliot has had a solid season while splitting carries with Tony Pollard. The running back duo has allowed the Cowboys to have a versatile offense. The threat of the running game opens up the passing game, making the offense nearly unstoppable.
The Cowboys showed they are a true contender with the solid win over the Vikings without Prescott under center. They now move on to their next opponent, the Denver Broncos. Although the Cowboys have a somewhat easy schedule the rest of the way, it will still be tough to get the top seed in the NFC. Homefield advantage will be vital in the postseason, and they need to do everything they can to earn a top seed.
