The Dallas Cowboys are struggling to find consistency in the 2023 NFL season, with a stark difference in their performance at home versus on the road. With a perfect 7-0 record at AT&T Stadium, the Cowboys are in possession of the league’s longest active home winning streak, but their 3-4 road record raises concerns about their ability to succeed away from home. After a 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15, head coach Mike McCarthy acknowledged the team’s need to elevate their performance on the road.

The Cowboys’ recent loss to the Bills highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, as they allowed Buffalo to dominate with 351 total yards, including 266 rushing yards. Buffalo’s running back, James Cook, achieved a career-high of 179 rushing yards on 25 carries, exposing the Cowboys’ normally strong defense. This defeat adds to a pattern of underperformance on the road for the Cowboys, whose offensive and defensive statistics are notably worse when playing away from home.

Looking ahead, the Cowboys are now banking on the 10-3 Philadelphia Eagles to lose two of their final four games in order to maintain control of their potential playoff position. The Eagles’ relatively easy schedule further complicates the Cowboys’ path to securing a home playoff game. Defensive lineman Micah Parsons stressed the need for the team to improve their road performance, acknowledging the importance of being “road warriors” throughout the playoffs.

Despite their road struggles, the Cowboys have an immediate opportunity to redeem themselves as they face the Miami Dolphins, a top seed in the AFC, in Week 16. This game will test the Cowboys’ ability to compete against a playoff-contending team on the road, providing a crucial opportunity for the team to assert themselves in the regular season. The coming weeks will be a crucial period for the Cowboys to address their road woes and bridge the gap between their home and away performances.