Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are the best team in the NFL

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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With yet another road win, in a hostile environment, against a quality opponent, the Dallas Cowboys have earned the right to be called the best in the NFL.

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys can fairly claim to have a lot of “bests.”

They employ the league’s best running back in Ezekiel Elliott. They have the best offensive line in football. Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers became the best as far as television ratings are measured.

Most importantly, however, the Dallas Cowboys can claim to be the best team in the NFL through ten weeks.

After another thrilling win on the road, the Cowboys sit atop the division, conference and league with a record of 8-1. They share the best road record in the NFL as well, which will come in handy given the makeup of their schedule.

Two of the Cowboys final three road games are against divisional foes. The Giants, (4-1 at home), as well as the Eagles (4-0) will pose a serious challenge to the throne. Games like Sunday’s against a very good Steelers team help get Dallas ready for such situations.

Early on, it appeared that this was finally going to be the game that the Cowboys would lose. A turnover on their opening drive, followed by two straight touchdown drives from Pittsburgh put Dallas in a hole.

Down 12-3 however, as the first quarter was winding down and the Cowboys faced a 2nd and 18, it was Elliott who got this team back on track. On a screen pass, Elliott got into space and did what he does best. After guard Zack Martin and center Travis Frederick nailed their blocks, Zeke did the rest. Eighty-three yards later, the Cowboys were back in the ball game.

From that point on, this offense was ready for the challenge of going toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best. After a Dan Bailey 53-yard field goal (best ever at Heinz Field by the way), there were six more lead changes to follow.

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) celebrates his thirty-two yard touchdown to win the game with teammates against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Dallas won 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In my pre-game analysis, I mentioned that the Steelers have a propensity to abandon the running game in all of their losses. Luckily for the Cowboys, that is exactly how this game played out.

In the first half, Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell had twelve carries and another six receptions. Bell was creating matchup issues all over the field with his patient running style and pass catching abilities in the open field. For whatever particular reason, Pittsburgh did not stay with this plan, however, which helped the Cowboys defense immensely.

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Conversely, the Cowboys never seemed to give up on their bell cow. Even though the chunk yards were not there, Elliott kept eating. After his second carry of the game gained seven yards, no other carry besides his last two went for more than six. The final two, however, went for 14 and 32 yards, each resulting in a touchdown.

Elliott had help though as both quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver Dez Bryant had the best games, yardage-wise, of the season. It could not have come at a better time either.

The Dallas Cowboys defense was on the ropes all game long, which was to be expected given the quality of their opponent and the injuries they faced. Thankfully though, the offense was able to have their backs.

That, in of itself, is one of the most amazing parts of this win streak.

There have been times when the offense has needed the defense to step up. On the flip side, there have been instances where the defense need the offense. Every week, it seems like one side just comes through for the other.

It’s truly been a total team effort.

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) is hoisted by center Travis Frederick (72) after scoring the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

More Dallas Cowboys observations from Week 10:

Next: Cowboys Dak Prescott: Where NFL Scouts Missed the Mark

Next up for the Cowboys, the 5-4 Baltimore Ravens.

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