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NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Cowboys find spark, Raiders look like pretenders

By Randy Gurzi

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 20: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 20: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a first quarter touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys signals for a first down during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 20: Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys signals for a first down during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles in the game at AT&T Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

11. Dallas Cowboys (17)

It was easy to discount the Dallas Cowboys after their last three games. They started out 3-0, scoring at least 30 points in every one of those games. Then, they fell off a cliff as the offense lost their identity and the defense struggled to stop a nose bleed.

The worst of their defeats came in Week 6 when the New York Jets were able to win despite coming into the game with a record of 0-4. That had Dallas feeling as though they were entering a must-win game — and the intensity ramped up when Eagles head coach Doug Pederson practically guaranteed they would beat the Cowboys.

More. 5 Dallas targets at trade deadline. light

Defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence took exception to Pederson’s claim and came out on fire. After tight end Dallas Goedert fumbled the ball on their first possession, Lawrence made it back-to-back turnovers when he sacked Carson Wentz and caused a fumble. That led to a 14-yard touchdown from Ezekiel Elliott which put Dallas up 14-0.

Philly did score on the ensuing drive but it was never really close. Before long, the Cowboys were up 27-7 and even ended the half with a 63-yard field goal from Brett Maher — a team record as he beat his own personal best.

That kick just highlighted the way things were going for the home team. They were finally at full health with their offensive line back together as well as with Amari Cooper and Randall Cobb both back on the field.

The return to health was the biggest reason they re-discovered some magic and now are in control of the NFC East. They have a one-game lead over the Eagles and are now 3-0 in the division.

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