The Dallas Cowboys aren't ready to compete for a Super Bowl. At best, owner Jerry Jones' team is a year away from legitimate contention.
Sure, the Cowboys still hold a one-game lead in the NFC East, but Sunday's 23-0 loss to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium—Dallas' first shutout since Nov. 16, 2003, against the New England Patriots—showed a squad unprepared to consistently compete against the NFL's best.
Two weeks ago, Dallas appeared to be destined for bigger and better things after defeating the New Orleans Saints, ending their 10-game winning streak. The Cowboys did so by taking advantage of a ball-control offense and by utilizing a fundamentally sound defensive approach.