PHILADELPHIA -- The Cowboys spent the days leading up to Sunday night's game being derided and dismissed.
Discussion didn't focus on the remainder of this season. Skeptics had moved on to a future without head coach Jason Garrett and scratched their heads over a declaration by owner Jerry Jones that he intends to extend quarterback Dak Prescott.
All of the elements were in place for this team to fold. Instead, players and coaches responded with one of their better efforts of the season for a 27-20 victory over Philadelphia.
Teams that must dig deep for a last stand this early in the season normally don't survive until the end.