The cowboys schedule 2022 season stands as one of the most resilient and dramatic campaigns in the modern era of the franchise. Facing massive adversity from the very first week, the Dallas Cowboys battled through high-profile matchups, fierce division rivalries, and a crucial quarterback injury to put together another outstanding 12-5 regular season record. Whether you are looking to analyze the game-by-game progression of this historic team or researching specific match details, this complete guide provides the definitive breakdown of the cowboys schedule 2022, tracking their journey from training camp to the postseason.

While looking back at a past season might seem purely nostalgic, the cowboys schedule 2022 nfl campaign serves as a vital blueprint for understanding the team’s roster building, coaching strategies, and divisional dominance. In this deep dive, we go beyond the raw statistics. We look at how backup Cooper Rush saved the season, how Dan Quinn's defense evolved into an elite unit, and how the franchise finally secured a historic road playoff victory in what would be Tom Brady's final NFL game.

The Cowboys Preseason Schedule 2022: Shaking off the Rust

Before embarking on their quest for the NFC East crown, Dallas had to evaluate its depth chart and rookie class during the exhibition matches. The cowboys preseason schedule 2022 featured a three-game slate that allowed the coaching staff to make difficult roster decisions.

• Week 1: at Denver Broncos (August 13, 2022) — The Cowboys kicked off their preseason on the road at Empower Field at Mile High. With starting quarterback Dak Prescott resting, backup Cooper Rush and third-stringer Ben DiNucci split reps. The offense struggled with consistency and penalties, resulting in a 7-17 loss. Head coach Mike McCarthy voiced his frustration with the team's discipline, as the Cowboys racked up 17 penalties for 129 yards.
• Week 2: at Los Angeles Chargers (August 20, 2022) — Dallas bounced back in spectacular fashion at SoFi Stadium, securing a 32-18 victory. The star of the night was return specialist KaVontae Turpin. The former USFL MVP locked up his roster spot by returning a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, followed by an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second quarter. The ground game also showed signs of life, with Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis pacing a balanced rushing attack.
• Week 3: vs. Seattle Seahawks (August 26, 2022) — The preseason finale took place at AT&T Stadium, where Dallas edged out a thrilling 27-26 win. Quarterbacks Will Grier and Ben DiNucci led the offense, showcasing their command of the system. This victory finalized a 2-1 preseason record and set the stage for a highly anticipated regular season.

Complete 2022 Dallas Cowboys Regular Season Schedule & Results

The 2022 cowboys schedule was challenging, pitting America's team against both reigning conference champions within the first fortnight. Below is the complete week-by-week cowboys game schedule 2022 including dates, opponents, kickoff times, broadcast networks, and final scores:

This rigorous schedule shows the true grit of the team, displaying their ability to survive the brutal NFC East and the grueling schedule of the nfl cowboys schedule 2022 season.

Week-by-Week Game Summaries: Reliving the 2022 Cowboys Season

To understand how the cowboys 2022 schedule played out, we must examine the weekly drama, tactical adjustments, and key moments that defined their regular season.

Week 1: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (L 3-19)

The season opener at AT&T Stadium was an absolute disaster. Not only did the Cowboys fail to score a touchdown in a sluggish 3-19 loss to Tom Brady's Buccaneers, but starting quarterback Dak Prescott fractured his thumb in the fourth quarter. It was a crushing blow, with early medical estimates projecting Dak to miss 6 to 8 weeks. Critics immediately wrote off the Cowboys' season, anticipating a top-five draft pick rather than a playoff run.

Week 2: vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W 20-17)

With backup Cooper Rush starting, few gave Dallas a chance against Joe Burrow and the defending AFC champions. However, the defense stepped up, sacking Burrow six times and keeping Cincinnati out of the end zone for most of the game. Rush displayed incredible poise, executing a flawless late-game drive that set up Brett Maher for a thrilling 50-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. This upset injected a massive dose of belief into the locker room.

Week 3: @ New York Giants (W 23-16)

On Monday Night Football, the Cowboys traveled to East Rutherford to face an undefeated Giants team. DeMarcus Lawrence dominated with three sacks, while CeeDee Lamb overcame an embarrassing early drop to catch a spectacular, one-handed go-ahead touchdown pass from Cooper Rush in the fourth quarter. The ground game excelled, as Tony Pollard rushed for 105 yards, proving that Dallas possessed a multi-dimensional attack even without their star quarterback.

Week 4: vs. Washington Commanders (W 25-10)

Cooper Rush kept rolling, becoming the first quarterback in Cowboys history to win his first four career starts. This matchup marked the emotional season debut of wide receiver Michael Gallup, who caught a 9-yard touchdown pass just nine months after tearing his ACL. The Dallas defense continued its historic run, forcing two interceptions and holding Washington to just 10 points while keeping Carson Wentz under constant duress.

Week 5: @ Los Angeles Rams (W 22-10)

In a hostile SoFi Stadium, the Cowboys' defense put on a masterclass against Matthew Stafford and the defending Super Bowl champions. DeMarcus Lawrence scored on a 19-yard fumble recovery on the opening drive, setting a physical tone. Micah Parsons registered two sacks and forced a late fumble to secure a dominant 22-10 victory, moving the Cowboys to an improbable 4-1 record under Cooper Rush.

Week 6: @ Philadelphia Eagles (L 17-26)

The undefeated magic of Cooper Rush finally came to an end in Philadelphia. Facing a raucous Lincoln Financial Field, Rush threw three costly interceptions. Despite falling behind 3-20, Dallas fought back to make it a one-score game in the fourth quarter, showing impressive resilience before ultimately succumbing to the undefeated Eagles.

Week 7: vs. Detroit Lions (W 24-6)

Dak Prescott returned to the starting lineup after his thumb injury. While the offense showed some predictable rust in the first half, the defense was completely dominant, forcing five Detroit turnovers, including a late goal-line fumble recovery. Ezekiel Elliott punched in two rushing touchdowns in the second half to turn a close game into a comfortable blowout, securing Dak’s first win of the campaign.

Week 8: vs. Chicago Bears (W 49-29)

With Ezekiel Elliott sidelined due to a knee injury, Tony Pollard took center stage as the lead running back. He did not disappoint, exploding for 131 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Dak Prescott was highly efficient, completing 21 of 27 passes for 250 yards and two touchdowns as the Cowboys put up a season-high 49 points heading into their bye week, showing the true explosive ceiling of the offense.

Week 10: @ Green Bay Packers (L 28-31 OT)

Returning to Lambeau Field was supposed to be a triumphant moment for Mike McCarthy. Dallas held a comfortable 28-14 lead in the fourth quarter, but a defensive collapse allowed rookie Christian Watson to catch three touchdowns from Aaron Rodgers. The Packers forced overtime and kicked a game-winning field goal, handing Dallas a painful collapse and raising questions about their run defense.

Week 11: @ Minnesota Vikings (W 40-3)

Dallas responded to the Packers loss with one of the most dominant road performances in franchise history. Travelling to face the 8-1 Vikings, the Cowboys completely dismantled them. The defense sacked Kirk Cousins seven times, while Tony Pollard recorded 189 total scrimmage yards and two receiving touchdowns. Brett Maher made history by kicking field goals of 60 and 53 yards, silencing the Minnesota crowd from the opening whistle.

Week 12: vs. New York Giants (W 28-20)

In the annual Thanksgiving Day showcase, the Cowboys hosted their division rivals. After a sluggish first half where they trailed 7-13, the Cowboys' offense came alive in the third quarter. Tight end Dalton Schultz caught two touchdowns, and the team cruised to a 28-20 victory in front of a massive national television audience, sweeping the Giants on the season.

Week 13: vs. Indianapolis Colts (W 54-19)

This Sunday Night Football matchup was a tight 21-19 game entering the fourth quarter. What happened next was historical: the Cowboys exploded for 33 points in the fourth quarter alone, forcing five turnovers. Rookie cornerback DaRon Bland grabbed two interceptions, and former Colt Malik Hooker scored on a fumble recovery to cap off the 54-19 rout, marking one of the most explosive quarters in NFL history.

Week 14: vs. Houston Texans (W 27-23)

This was the ultimate trap game. The one-win Texans held a late lead at AT&T Stadium. With the game on the line, Dak Prescott orchestrated an epic 98-yard game-winning drive, showing incredible composure. Ezekiel Elliott punched in the winning touchdown with just 41 seconds remaining to escape with a victory, demonstrating the team's clutch execution.

Week 15: @ Jacksonville Jaguars (L 34-40 OT)

In a wild, high-scoring affair, the Cowboys blew a 17-point third-quarter lead against Trevor Lawrence and the surging Jaguars. In overtime, a pass from Prescott bounced off Noah Brown's hands and was intercepted by Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who returned it for a walk-off pick-six, ending Dallas's four-game winning streak in heartbreaking fashion.

Week 16: vs. Philadelphia Eagles (W 40-34)

On Christmas Eve, the Cowboys hosted the Eagles in a classic divisional shootout. With Gardner Minshew starting for an injured Jalen Hurts, both offenses traded heavy blows. Dak Prescott threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a miraculous 52-yard completion to T.Y. Hilton on a crucial 3rd-and-30 that kept the winning drive alive.

Week 17: @ Tennessee Titans (W 27-13)

Playing on Thursday Night Football, Dallas faced a heavily depleted Titans squad. While Dak Prescott struggled with two interceptions, he connected with Dalton Schultz for two touchdowns. The defense held Tennessee to just 13 points, securing a comfortable road victory to keep divisional hopes alive heading into the final week.

Week 18: @ Washington Commanders (L 6-26)

With a slim chance to win the NFC East still on the table, McCarthy played his starters. However, the Cowboys put on their worst performance of the year, turning the ball over, dropping passes, and looking completely flat. The 6-26 loss was a disappointing finish to the regular season, but it immediately forced the team to turn its focus toward the postseason.

Under the Microscope: Core Themes of the 2022 Cowboys Season

The cowboys schedule 2022 23 season was defined by several critical tactical adjustments and player emergences that ultimately propelled the franchise to back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time since 2006-2007.

1. The Resiliency of the Backup Quarterback

When Dak Prescott went down in Week 1, national media outlets declared the Cowboys' season dead. The decision not to acquire a veteran backup was heavily scrutinized. However, Cooper Rush silenced the critics. Under offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, the playbook was simplified, emphasizing a quick-release passing game and leaning heavily on the rushing attack. Rush's 4-1 record as a starter kept the Cowboys competitive, allowing Prescott to return to a team firmly in the playoff hunt.

2. Dan Quinn's Defensive Revolution

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn built one of the fastest, most aggressive defensive units in the league. Led by linebacker Micah Parsons, who recorded 13.5 sacks and earned first-team All-Pro honors, the Cowboys led the NFL in takeaways with 33. The defensive backfield saw the spectacular rise of fifth-round rookie DaRon Bland, who stepped up in the slot and recorded 5 regular-season interceptions. Veteran corner Trevon Diggs also matured, playing a more disciplined brand of coverage that limited explosive plays.

3. The "Pony Express" Rushing Attack

The tandem of Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard was the engine of the offense. Elliott remained the physical, short-yardage specialist, grinding out tough yards and scoring 12 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, Pollard blossomed into a true superstar, utilizing his explosive speed to record 1,007 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns, earning his first career Pro Bowl selection. Their complementary styles wore down opposing front sevens throughout the grueling 17-game season.

Postseason Run: Ending the Brady Era and the San Francisco Heartbreak

The regular season success of the cowboys schedule 2022 earned them the No. 5 seed in the NFC, setting up a highly anticipated playoff journey.

NFC Wild Card Round: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (W 31-14)

On January 16, 2023, the Cowboys traveled to Raymond James Stadium to face Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Dallas had never defeated Tom Brady in his career, and the franchise had not won a road playoff game since the 1992 NFC Championship.

What followed was an absolute masterclass. Dak Prescott played the game of his life, completing 25 of 33 passes for 305 yards, four passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown. The defense completely harassed Brady, forcing a crucial red-zone interception by Jayron Kearse. Despite kicker Brett Maher historically missing four extra points, the Cowboys cruised to a historic 31-14 victory, effectively ending Tom Brady’s legendary NFL career.

NFC Divisional Round: @ San Francisco 49ers (L 12-19)

The divisional round took the Cowboys to Santa Clara for a rematch against the physical San Francisco 49ers. In a brutal, low-scoring defensive battle, mistakes ultimately doomed Dallas. Dak Prescott threw two costly first-half interceptions, and Tony Pollard suffered a fractured fibula late in the second quarter, stripping the offense of its explosive weapon.

Despite a stellar defensive effort that held the high-powered 49ers to just one touchdown, the Cowboys could not muster enough offense. A bizarre final play featuring Ezekiel Elliott lining up at center failed spectacularly, resulting in a 12-19 defeat and ending their Super Bowl aspirations. This loss catalyzed significant offseason changes, including the departure of Kellen Moore and McCarthy taking over play-calling duties for the subsequent season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the final record of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2022 season?

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2022 regular season with a 12-5 record, finishing second in the NFC East division behind the Philadelphia Eagles.

Who did the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving Day in 2022?

The Cowboys hosted their division rivals, the New York Giants, on Thanksgiving Day (November 24, 2022), winning the game 28-20.

How did Cooper Rush perform when Dak Prescott was injured?

Cooper Rush was phenomenal, starting 5 games and compiling a 4-1 record. He threw for 951 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions, keeping Dallas in playoff contention.

Who did the Cowboys defeat in the 2022-23 playoffs?

The Cowboys defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14 in the NFC Wild Card round on the road. It was the first road playoff victory for the franchise since January 1993.

Who were the Pro Bowl selections for the Cowboys in 2022?

The Cowboys had eight Pro Bowlers: running back Tony Pollard, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, guard Zack Martin, center Tyler Biadasz, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, linebacker Micah Parsons, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and return specialist KaVontae Turpin.

Conclusion

The cowboys schedule 2022 season was an emotional roller coaster that showcased the deep resilience of the franchise. From the depths of despair following Dak Prescott's Week 1 injury to the euphoria of a historic playoff victory over Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, the 2022 team proved that they could compete with the absolute best in the NFL. Understanding how this schedule unfolded provides valuable historical context for the team's ongoing roster adjustments and strategic evolution.