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The Dallas Cowboys are rolling right now, proving to be much better than some of us (me) thought they would be.
Even after losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott to an injury in their season-opening loss, the Cowboys have won three straight games — two as underdogs — and their defense is giving opposing quarterbacks nightmares.
Now, that success, with Cooper Rush at quarterback no less, is apparently going to the head of head coach Mike McCarthy. Either that or he’s acutely aware of what this team is capable of beyond what we’ve seen, because he couldn’t believe it when he heard they were underdogs again for their Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy was asked if he ever uses a betting line to motivate team. When told the line was 5 1/2, he asked if Cowboys were ones favored. (Rams are.) McCarthy: “I’ll just say this: We’re nobody’s underdog. So, if you need a quote.” Video via @dallascowboys. pic.twitter.com/Npd7cdSWRw
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) October 6, 2022
“We’re underdogs?!” McCarthy questioned when he learned of the 5.5-point spread for Sunday’s game.
“I’ll just say this, we’re nobody’s underdog.”
Au contraire mon frère.
Even with how shaky the Rams have looked this season, they’re still the reigning Super Bowl champs with several All-Pro caliber defenders and an offense capable of big games. And they’ll be at home. Even the most casual fan could see how they’d be favored.
Yet, McCarthy apparently can’t see how his team, with all the questions that still exist for its own offense, could be an underdog. That’s some good confidence right there. I can’t say it’s not earned though; even I picked Dallas to cover the spread.