Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he didn't want to call Sunday's 38-23 victory in Philadelphia a season-saver.
However, that's exactly what it was. Had the Cowboys lost to the Eagles, they would've fell to 3-6, virtually needing to win at least six of their last seven to have any shot at the postseason. The Cowboys haven't won six of seven since 2009.
At 4-5, Jones' team sits in second place in the NFC East standings and a game and a half back of the Seattle Seahawks for the final playoff spot.
"I know how important the game is to us with our chance to get into the playoffs," Jones said. "Numbers-wise, I know how important it is and I know it's important to get in here and play well enough to get a win like this."
The Cowboys play their next four games against teams with losing records. Perhaps Sunday's win and a favorable schedule will provide some confidence going forward.
"Confident is not the thing," Jones said. "I know this is the way to do it, to have a win in our division on the road. It's a great way to start. This has been a hard week for everybody, a real hard week. I think everybody kept their head down, kept going and we have something to feel good about and maybe we've gotten out of here on the road and can do something good when we get back home."
Cleveland, Washington and Philadelphia play at Cowboys Stadium the next three weeks before Dallas travels to Cincinnati on Dec. 9.
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