The Dallas Cowboys won’t be heading back to the postseason — again.
The Cowboys were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday after the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Washington Commanders 29-18.
The Cowboys, 6-7-1, already entered the week with slim odds. They had one path to the playoffs after falling last Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings: Dallas needed to win its remaining three games, and Philadelphia had to lose its remaining three games.
The Eagles ended those hopes swiftly, becoming the first team in the NFC East to win the division in back-to-back years in over 20 seasons.
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It’s also the second-straight season the Cowboys will miss the postseason. The last time that happened was the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
In the minds of those with the Cowboys, being eliminated doesn’t change much for the remainder of the season. Multiple people around the team have mentioned the importance of finishing Brian Schottenheimer’s first season strong and building momentum for next year. Schottenheimer alluded to that idea, too.
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Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said he expects the team to play hard, even if their postseason hopes are extinguished.
“At the end of the day … we’re professionals and we got a job to do at the highest level, Prescott said. “This is NFL football. We’re all fortunate to get a chance to play this game, especially with the teammates we have in this locker room. It won’t be the same next year, so it’s about going out and enjoying every moment and making sure you’re giving it all for your pride and love for the game but also for your teammates, organization and just the opportunity you have. None of this is forever and none of this is promised. You got to take the field with a grateful attitude and hungry to show who you are and get better every play. I know that’s what we’ll do.”
The Cowboys will face the Los Angeles Chargers at home on Sunday before finishing with a NFC East swing on the road, going to Washington on Christmas and then wrapping up the season against the New York Giants.
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