"A win is a win." That phrase, or something like it, is being uttered in many parts of Cowboys Nation following Dallas' victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
It was ugly, showing many of the same tendencies that led to the Cowboys' collapse last week against the Arizona Cardinals. But this time around, Dallas managed to eke out the win despite its self-sabotaging efforts.
Yes, the Cowboys scored more points than the Colts on Sunday. That gave them another win in the standings, improving their record to 4-5. On paper, this keeps them well within striking distance of the New York Giants in the unimpressive 2026 version of the NFC East.
But even in the immediate aftermath of victory, there's isn't much glow to bask in. These positives feel rather fleeting and temporary, with farther-reaching concerns only exascerbated by how the Cowboys handled themselves in the game.
Sunday's win may only prolong Dallas' 2026 problems
There's another familiar saying: "Win the battle, lose the war." The sloppy, penalty-riddled victory in Indianapolis didn't do much for anyone's confidence in Dallas' long-term prospects. If anything, many are frustrated that a win could help certain people keep their jobs or fool the front office into dumping more resources into the current season.
Take Brian Schottenheimer. With bizarre situational play-calling and the general undisciplined nature of the team, Schotty's head was being called for throughout the second half. When a loss seemed imminent, many were finding solace in the possibility that it could lead to a coaching change.
But before the Colts took the lead with their last field goal, they foolishly threw an incomplete pass and saved about 40 seconds for the Cowboys' last drive. Then Dak Prescott's big pass to Ryan Flournoy helped open up the playbook, and ultimately Dallas got the game-winning touchdown on a Javonte Williams run.
But even within those different late-game sequences, you had strange choices that hurt the Cowboys' chances. The ultimately positive outcome doesn't absolve the team or its coaches from criticism.
The Cowboys wins so far aren't remotely impressive
Remember, this Colts team had already called it quits on 2026. They are actively shopping their star players for trades ahead of Tuesday's deadline. Individual players aside, the organization had no real concern over winning this game.
The Cowboys aren't exactly beating the NFL's best and brightest this year. First it was the Commanders, who were right in the fight until Jayden Daniels got hurt before halftime. Then came the Texans, who were 0-4 going into the game. Then the Eagles, missing Jalen Hurts and looking lost in general this year.
There's little to be proud about from these victories. And certainly, little to make you think that Dallas has a prayer against the 49ers next week, or against any NFC playoff contenders should they somehow sneak into the postseason.
Saying that Dallas is stuck on the "treadmill of mediocrity" would be an insult to mediocre teams. This is a bad team playing bad football, and only winning when they occasionally play someone who's somehow even worse.
So, what's next? The trade deadline is Tuesday, so they have to make some decisions on George Pickens or other assets now if they're even considering a fire sale. Beating the Colts shouldn't change how they were leaning in that regard.
They can kick Schottenheimer's can down the road as long as they want, but getting shellacked by the Niners next Sunday shouldn't be what makes that decision. You won't see anything worse than what you've already seen: a San Francisco blowout on the scoreboard is just a superficial result.
The Dallas Cowboys clearly need big changes, but sometimes teams have to feel it very tangibly to finally make those moves. And ugly as it was, beating the Colts may have kept Dallas hovering above rock bottom for now.
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