ARLINGTON -- This is the team the Cowboys thought they could be during Ezekiel Elliott's absence.
A group that was pummeled by 20 or more points in the previous three games rediscovered its swagger in this one.
Will Thursday night's unexpected 38-14 win over Washington be enough to nudge the Cowboys back into the playoff race? That's debatable. But it keeps Dallas somewhat relevant, releases the pressure that was building on head coach Jason Garrett and his staff and proves the players haven't given up on the season.
An opportunistic defense, a special teams spark from rookie Ryan Switzer and a dominant performance in the final two quarters got the Cowboys back on track.