The Dallas Cowboys, with help from the struggling Washington Commanders, pulled off an upset victory on the road.
While this should be a rare bright spot for a team with little to celebrate in 2024, it’s instead sparking debate among fans due to differing philosophies.
Reactions might be more unified if the Cowboys had realistic goals left this season.
Even if this win is the start of an improbable seven-game streak to finish 10-7, it’s far from a guarantee of a playoff berth. Realistically, that kind of turnaround seems closer to fantasy than possibility.
Of course, deflating Washington’s morale felt good in the moment. Beating a team that flaunts the big “W” logo is always satisfying.
For fans still bitter about Dan Quinn’s departure last January, watching his frustration late in the game was a nice touch.
However, Washington remains a rising team with a promising young quarterback, while Dallas is still a floundering franchise facing major questions.
No one knows who will coach the team in 2025, let alone how they’ll address a roster filled with holes.
This win might boost the résumés of players like KaVontae Turpin, Cooper Rush, Luke Schoonmaker, and Josh Butler, but it doesn’t resolve Dallas’ systemic issues.
For those looking at the bigger picture, this victory only hurts the Cowboys’ position in the 2025 Draft. With the Browns and Titans pulling off upsets in Week 12, Dallas could’ve moved closer to securing a top-five pick. Instead, their win makes that climb more difficult.
This debate runs deep. Coaches and players aren’t going to throw in the towel, and we can’t expect them to.
Mike McCarthy is likely coaching his final games in Dallas, and his assistants and over 20 pending free agents are fighting for their futures.
For them, there’s value in competing, even if the season feels like a lost cause.
Fans are equally split. Some lament the way this fourth win could harm the team’s draft position, while others appreciate the effort from players like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons.
Their leadership during these tough times offers hope for the future, as both are likely to remain cornerstones of the franchise.
There’s no definitive answer to what’s best for the team. Draft picks don’t guarantee success, and whatever positives come from these remaining games may not matter if the roster is overhauled in the offseason.
Whether you’re happy about the win or upset about its impact on the draft, both feelings are valid.
This divide among fans is likely to persist as the Cowboys play out the rest of their schedule. Ultimately, the value of victories like this depends on individual perspective.