The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most polarizing and compelling franchises in professional sports, and looking back at the dallas cowboys schedule 2022 reveals a foundational period that shaped their modern era. From high-stakes division battles in the NFC East to memorable prime-time matchups, the 2022 dallas cowboys schedule was packed with drama, including unexpected quarterback shifts, defensive masterclasses, and deep postseason aspirations. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the dallas cowboys game schedule 2022, examine the transition from the 2022 season into the 2023 dallas cowboys schedule, and analyze the critical matchups that defined America's Team.
Whether you are looking to relive the thrilling quarterback swap, understand how the team managed high-profile injuries, or study the statistical patterns between consecutive 12-5 regular seasons, this ultimate retrospective has you covered. Let's dive deep into the games, dates, scores, and storylines that made this era of Cowboys football so unforgettable.
Anatomy of the 2022 Dallas Cowboys Schedule
When the NFL released the 2022 dallas cowboys schedule, analysts immediately noted its brutal competitive depth. Under third-year head coach Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys entered the year with immense pressure. Having won the NFC East in 2021, they faced a first-place schedule that paired them against fellow heavyweight division winners across the league.
The structure of the dallas cowboys schedule for 2022 followed the standard 17-game format introduced by the NFL. This included:
- Six Division Games: Home-and-away series against the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders.
- Four NFC North Matchups: Games against the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions.
- Four AFC West Matchups: Cross-conference clashes with the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos.
- Three Formula-Based Games: Additional contests based on previous division standings, which included matchups with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, and Indianapolis Colts.
The roster underwent significant changes during the offseason leading up to Week 1. General Manager Jerry Jones made the tough decision to trade star wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and release starting right tackle La'el Collins. This placed an increased burden on quarterback Dak Prescott and a young receiving corps led by CeeDee Lamb. Defensively, coordinator Dan Quinn returned to lead a ferocious unit centered around sophomore sensation Micah Parsons and ball-hawking cornerback Trevon Diggs.
Week-by-Week Breakdown: Dallas Cowboys 2022 Football Schedule
The 2022 dallas cowboys schedule was a roller-coaster of emotions, marked by early adversity, a legendary backup performance, and some of the highest-scoring games of the NFL season. Here is the complete week-by-week game log for the regular season, featuring dates, opponents, final scores, and key outcomes.
2022 Regular Season Results Table
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Final Score | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sept. 11, 2022 | vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | L, 3-19 | 0-1 |
| Week 2 | Sept. 18, 2022 | vs. Cincinnati Bengals | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 20-17 | 1-1 |
| Week 3 | Sept. 26, 2022 | @ New York Giants (MNF) | MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ) | W, 23-16 | 2-1 |
| Week 4 | Oct. 2, 2022 | vs. Washington Commanders | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 25-10 | 3-1 |
| Week 5 | Oct. 9, 2022 | @ Los Angeles Rams | SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA) | W, 22-10 | 4-1 |
| Week 6 | Oct. 16, 2022 | @ Philadelphia Eagles (SNF) | Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, PA) | L, 17-26 | 4-2 |
| Week 7 | Oct. 23, 2022 | vs. Detroit Lions | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 24-6 | 5-2 |
| Week 8 | Oct. 30, 2022 | vs. Chicago Bears | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 49-29 | 6-2 |
| Week 9 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — | 6-2 |
| Week 10 | Nov. 13, 2022 | @ Green Bay Packers | Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI) | L, 28-31 (OT) | 6-3 |
| Week 11 | Nov. 20, 2022 | @ Minnesota Vikings | U.S. Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN) | W, 40-3 | 7-3 |
| Week 12 | Nov. 24, 2022 | vs. New York Giants (Thanksgiving) | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 28-20 | 8-3 |
| Week 13 | Dec. 4, 2022 | vs. Indianapolis Colts (SNF) | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 54-19 | 9-3 |
| Week 14 | Dec. 11, 2022 | vs. Houston Texans | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 27-23 | 10-3 |
| Week 15 | Dec. 18, 2022 | @ Jacksonville Jaguars | TIAA Bank Field (Jacksonville, FL) | L, 34-40 (OT) | 10-4 |
| Week 16 | Dec. 24, 2022 | vs. Philadelphia Eagles | AT&T Stadium (Arlington, TX) | W, 40-34 | 11-4 |
| Week 17 | Dec. 29, 2022 | @ Tennessee Titans (TNF) | Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN) | W, 27-13 | 12-4 |
| Week 18 | Jan. 8, 2023 | @ Washington Commanders | FedEx Field (Landover, MD) | L, 6-26 | 12-5 |
Tactical Analysis of Key Phases
To truly understand how this dallas cowboys schedule 2022 23 played out, we must divide the season into three distinct, narrative-defining chapters.
Phase 1: The Cooper Rush Miracle (Weeks 1-6)
The season started with what appeared to be an absolute disaster. In Week 1 against Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not only did the Cowboys suffer a listless 19-3 home defeat, but franchise quarterback Dak Prescott sustained a severe thumb fracture that required surgery. The national media quickly wrote off the Cowboys' playoff hopes.
However, backup quarterback Cooper Rush stepped into the spotlight and authored one of the most remarkable rescue missions in franchise history. Backed by a historic stretch of defensive play from Micah Parsons—who seemed to reside in opposing backfields—Rush managed the game with supreme poise. In Week 2, Rush led a clinical game-winning drive to beat the Cincinnati Bengals, sealed by a 50-yard Brett Maher field goal as time expired. Rush continued his unbeaten streak through division victories over the Giants and Commanders, before delivering a bruising 22-10 statement win against the defending Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. By the time Rush suffered his first career loss in Week 6 to the undefeated Eagles, he had guided Dallas to a 4-1 record, keeping their postseason hopes alive and healthy.
Phase 2: Dak Prescott's Return and Offensive Explosion (Weeks 7-13)
Dak Prescott returned in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, shaking off the rust in a comfortable 24-6 victory. The return of the franchise signal-caller unlocked a new level of explosive potential for Mike McCarthy’s offense. In Week 8, Dallas dismantled the Chicago Bears 49-29, showcasing a dominant ground game led by Tony Pollard, who took over the primary backfield duties with explosive authority.
Following a highly disappointing overtime collapse against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers at Lambeau Field in Week 10, the Cowboys responded with their most complete performance of the season. Traveling to Minneapolis to face an 8-1 Vikings team in Week 11, Dallas delivered a historical 40-3 beating. Dan Quinn's defense sacked Kirk Cousins seven times, while Prescott threw a pair of touchdowns to Tony Pollard.
This defensive and offensive synergy carried into the Thanksgiving Day clash. Dallas beat the New York Giants 28-20, highlighted by physical play in the trenches. One week later, the Cowboys hosted the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday Night Football and produced a historic fourth-quarter avalanche. Dallas scored 33 points in the final quarter alone—forcing five turnovers—to win 54-19, proving they possessed the most explosive ceiling in the entire NFL.
Phase 3: Finishing the Grind (Weeks 14-18)
As the dallas cowboys 2022 football schedule entered December, the team began fighting for playoff seeding. Week 14 featured a major scare against the low-ranked Houston Texans, requiring a heroic, 98-yard game-winning drive engineered by Prescott in the final minutes to secure a 27-23 victory. The following week, defensive vulnerabilities exposed the team in an overtime collapse in Jacksonville, losing 40-34 on a walk-off interception return.
However, the ultimate highlight of the regular season arrived on Christmas Eve. In a high-stakes rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles, Prescott bounced back from an early interception to throw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, securing a thrilling 40-34 win at AT&T Stadium. Though a flat, uninspired Week 18 loss to the Washington Commanders cost them a shot at the division crown, the Cowboys completed the regular season with a stellar 12-5 record.
The Postseason Run: Breaking the Road Playoff Curse
For decades, the Cowboys had been plagued by an inability to win high-stakes games away from home in January. The dallas cowboys schedule 2022 to 2023 postseason finally offered an opportunity to break that narrative.
NFC Wild Card Round: Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14
On January 16, 2023, the Cowboys traveled to Raymond James Stadium to face Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. Historically, the Cowboys had never beaten Brady, but this night belonged entirely to Dallas. Dak Prescott put on a masterclass, completing 25 of 33 passes for 305 yards, four passing touchdowns, and one rushing touchdown.
While placekicker Brett Maher suffered an infamous bout of the "yips," missing an NFL-record four extra-point attempts, the defense completely stifled Tampa Bay's offense. America's Team dominated from start to finish, winning 31-14 to secure their first road playoff victory since the 1992 Super Bowl season.
NFC Divisional Round: Dallas Cowboys 12, San Francisco 49ers 19
The divisional matchup against Kyle Shanahan's San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium was a brutal, physical slugfest. Dan Quinn's defense played outstanding football, holding the 49ers' high-powered offense to just one touchdown. However, Prescott struggled under immense pressure, throwing two costly interceptions.
The offense suffered a catastrophic blow when Tony Pollard suffered a fractured fibula in the second quarter, completely halting the run game. Despite a valiant defensive effort, the Cowboys fell 19-12. The game ended on a bizarre, widely mocked final play where running back Ezekiel Elliott lined up as the sole offensive lineman at center, cementing another year of postseason heartbreak.
Looking Forward: The Dallas Cowboys 2023 Schedule and Results
The lessons learned from the 2022 season heavily influenced the dallas cowboys 2023 schedule. Mike McCarthy parted ways with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, taking over play-calling duties himself under what he coined the "Texas Coast Offense".
The cowboys schedule 2023 saw the team duplicate their regular-season dominance, finishing 12-5 once again, but this time clinching the NFC East division title. Here is how the 2023 dallas cowboys schedule unfolded.
2023 Regular Season Results Table
| Week | Date | Opponent | Venue | Final Score | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sept. 10, 2023 | @ New York Giants | MetLife Stadium | W, 40-0 | 1-0 |
| Week 2 | Sept. 17, 2023 | vs. New York Jets | AT&T Stadium | W, 30-10 | 2-0 |
| Week 3 | Sept. 24, 2023 | @ Arizona Cardinals | State Farm Stadium | L, 16-28 | 2-1 |
| Week 4 | Oct. 1, 2023 | vs. New England Patriots | AT&T Stadium | W, 38-3 | 3-1 |
| Week 5 | Oct. 8, 2023 | @ San Francisco 49ers | Levi's Stadium | L, 10-42 | 3-2 |
| Week 6 | Oct. 16, 2023 | @ Los Angeles Chargers (MNF) | SoFi Stadium | W, 20-17 | 4-2 |
| Week 7 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — | 4-2 |
| Week 8 | Oct. 29, 2023 | vs. Los Angeles Rams | AT&T Stadium | W, 43-20 | 5-2 |
| Week 9 | Nov. 5, 2023 | @ Philadelphia Eagles | Lincoln Financial Field | L, 23-28 | 5-3 |
| Week 10 | Nov. 12, 2023 | vs. New York Giants | AT&T Stadium | W, 49-17 | 6-3 |
| Week 11 | Nov. 19, 2023 | @ Carolina Panthers | Bank of America Stadium | W, 33-10 | 7-3 |
| Week 12 | Nov. 23, 2023 | vs. Washington Commanders (Thanksgiving) | AT&T Stadium | W, 45-10 | 8-3 |
| Week 13 | Nov. 30, 2023 | vs. Seattle Seahawks (TNF) | AT&T Stadium | W, 41-35 | 9-3 |
| Week 14 | Dec. 10, 2023 | vs. Philadelphia Eagles (SNF) | AT&T Stadium | W, 33-13 | 10-3 |
| Week 15 | Dec. 17, 2023 | @ Buffalo Bills | Highmark Stadium | L, 10-31 | 10-4 |
| Week 16 | Dec. 24, 2023 | @ Miami Dolphins | Hard Rock Stadium | L, 20-22 | 10-5 |
| Week 17 | Dec. 30, 2023 | vs. Detroit Lions | AT&T Stadium | W, 20-19 | 11-5 |
| Week 18 | Jan. 7, 2024 | @ Washington Commanders | FedEx Field | W, 38-10 | 12-5 |
Key Storylines from the 2023 Campaign
While the regular-season record remained a familiar 12-5, the 2023 dallas cowboys schedule featured entirely different tactical heights and historic player milestones:
- The DaRon Bland Phenomenon: Early in the season, All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs suffered a season-ending ACL tear in practice. Sophomore cornerback DaRon Bland was forced to step up. He responded by making NFL history, recording nine interceptions and returning five of them for touchdowns (pick-sixes), setting the all-time single-season NFL record.
- CeeDee Lamb's Ascent to Elite Status: Lamb cemented his position as one of the premier wide receivers in professional football. He set single-season franchise records with 135 receptions for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, serving as the undisputed engine of the passing game.
- AT&T Stadium Fortress: Dallas was completely unbeatable at home during the 2023 regular season, finishing a perfect 8-0 in Arlington and averaging over 35 points per game in front of their home fans.
- Postseason Disaster: Despite earning the No. 2 seed in the NFC, the Cowboys' home mystique shattered in the Wild Card round. They hosted Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers, suffering a humiliating 48-32 defeat that exposed critical defensive limitations and left fans searching for answers yet again.
Side-by-Side Comparison: 2022 vs. 2023 Dallas Cowboys Schedules
When evaluating the 2022 dallas cowboys schedule against the 2023 season, several fascinating statistical patterns emerge. Both years highlight a team that dominated regular-season competition but struggled to translate that success into a deep playoff run.
| Metric | 2022 Season | 2023 Season |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Season Record | 12-5 | 12-5 |
| NFC East Finish | 2nd Place | 1st Place (Champions) |
| Scoring Offense (PPG) | 27.5 (4th in NFL) | 29.9 (1st in NFL) |
| Scoring Defense (PPG) | 20.1 (5th in NFL) | 18.5 (5th in NFL) |
| Home Record | 8-1 | 8-0 |
| Road Record | 4-4 | 4-5 |
| Playoff Finish | Divisional Round Loss (at SF) | Wild Card Round Loss (vs. GB) |
Key Takeaways from the Data
- Offensive Shift: The transition to Mike McCarthy's "Texas Coast Offense" in 2023 resulted in a highly efficient passing game. Dak Prescott threw for 36 touchdowns (leading the NFL) compared to 23 in 2022, while significantly cutting down his interception numbers from 15 to 9.
- Defensive Consistency: Dan Quinn’s defensive unit remained incredibly consistent on paper, finishing 5th in points allowed during both seasons. However, their reliance on takeaway-heavy, aggressive schemes made them vulnerable to physical, run-heavy offenses (such as San Francisco in 2022 and Green Bay in 2023).
- The Road vs. Home Divide: While Dallas established AT&T Stadium as a nearly impenetrable fortress during the regular season, their road inconsistencies continued to hinder their championship capabilities, particularly in high-altitude or cold-weather environments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the Dallas Cowboys' record on their 2022 schedule?
The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2022 regular season with a 12-5 record. They finished second in the highly competitive NFC East division behind the 14-3 Philadelphia Eagles, entering the postseason as the NFC's fifth seed.
Who did the Cowboys play on Thanksgiving in 2022 and 2023?
On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, the Cowboys defeated their NFC East rival New York Giants 28-20. On Thanksgiving Day in 2023, they hosted the Washington Commanders and cruised to a dominant 45-10 victory at AT&T Stadium.
How many games did Cooper Rush start during the 2022 season?
Cooper Rush started five consecutive games in 2022 after Dak Prescott suffered a thumb injury in Week 1. Rush performed exceptionally well, leading the Cowboys to a 4-1 record with wins over the Bengals, Giants, Commanders, and Rams.
Who did the Cowboys lose to in the 2022-23 playoffs?
After defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-14 in the Wild Card round, the Cowboys lost to the San Francisco 49ers 19-12 in the Divisional Round at Levi's Stadium on January 22, 2023.
Why did the Dallas Cowboys play the Buccaneers in Week 1 of both 2021 and 2022?
The NFL scheduling formula matches division place-finishers from the previous season. Because both the Cowboys and Buccaneers won their respective divisions in 2021, they were scheduled to play each other in 2022. Television networks heavily pushed for this matchup on Sunday Night Football due to the immense ratings generated by America's Team and Tom Brady.
Conclusion
Looking back at the dallas cowboys schedule 2022 highlights a fascinating chapter in the team's modern history. It was a season of profound resilience, characterized by Cooper Rush's heroic backup stretch, Dak Prescott's triumphant return, and defensive dominance spearheaded by Micah Parsons.
While the campaign ultimately ended with familiar heartbreak in the Bay Area, it laid the structural and strategic foundation for the division-winning 2023 squad. For fans and sports analysts alike, the 2022 and 2023 schedules serve as a testament to the high floor, regular-season excellence, and persistent postseason hurdles of America's Team.
