Schedule gives Dallas Cowboys chance to recover
"You can't look at it that way, even in college," linebacker Zach Thomas said. "Look at Ole Miss and Florida. You can't have that attitude because you'll be sloppy, and it will affect you in the long run."
Playing in the NFC East, the Cowboys have little margin for error. The Redskins have an even easier road than the Cowboys with their next four opponents combining for three wins. The New York Giants are coming off their bye and are undefeated. Philadelphia plays two of its next three at home.
"At one point, I guess, you can be considered the best team in the league, but that doesn't matter now," James said. "You can be considered the best team then go out and lose a playoff game and you're sitting at home with everybody else. Right now, what matters is learning from our mistakes, racking up as many wins as we can get, get to the playoffs, win.
"It's hard-pressed to say you're going to go undefeated. I didn't want to go undefeated. I want to win the games that count."
Crayton said he wished the Cowboys had a tougher opponent this week for a bounce-back game.
"But right now, we don't dictate our schedule," Crayton said. "We have to play each team how they come to us. That's what we're getting ready for. We're getting ready for the Bengals. They're coming in this week, and we've got to get back refocused and preparing for them."
Coach Wade Phillips said he hopes the loss will have a galvanizing effect on his team.
"I do believe we'll get stronger," Phillips said. "I think we'll bond together. We'll be more focused on everything we're doing. I think we won't get as many pats on the back on how great we are. I think that'll help us a little."
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