Seahawks vs Cowboys: 8 Things We Learned from Dallas' 23-13 Win

There is a saying that no matter how a team wins, at least it's a win. Well, the Cowboys beat the Seahawks pretty ugly on Sunday, but at least it's a win? Some fans may feel skeptical about Sunday's win, as Dallas beat Seattle, but not soundly. Dallas didn't score a touchdown until the second half, and the Cowboys lost Miles Austin, as he re-aggravated his hamstring.

Dallas started the game with about five penalties in the first quarter alone and saw two promising drive stall out in the red zone. They either couldn't punch the ball in on the ground or couldn't find an open receiver through the air. So we learned that the Cowboys still have a lot of work to do, but at the end of the day, it was a victory.

Dallas beat Seattle, but didn't impress anyone in the process. No fan comes away thinking that Dallas is better for it, and no pundit will change their outlook on the Cowboys playoff hopes. Right now, the Cowboys are just existing, but by not losing, they were able to keep pace with the Giants and Eagles.

The Cowboys started the soft part of their schedule today against Seattle and beat a team they should have beaten. I mean, after all, they beat the Seahawks, and the Giants couldn't.

Here are eight things we learned from the Cowboys victory on Sunday.

DeMarco Murray Is the Real Deal

I known that sounds simplistic, and I know it was against Seattle, but Murray continues to impress. I'm always calling for balance with the Cowboys offense, and I believe they have a running back who can give that to them.

Felix Jones is a nice change of pace back, but he can't stay healthy and he may not be feature running back material. But as the weeks progress and Murray gets more games under his belt, it's becoming more evident that DeMarco is the one to carry the load for Dallas.

Last week, during the Cowboys woodshed beating by the Eagles, Murray was able to rustle up 74 yards on eight carries.

I think he's ready, as he had 22 rushes for 139 yards on the day.

Dallas Misses Sean Lee

I think more than anything the Eagles showed how to beat Dallas on the ground. Seattle had 162 rushing yards on the day, as running back Marshawn Lynch thrilled them with 135 on the ground.

But Dallas was without linebacker Sean Lee, who has quickly turned into a defensive star for Dallas. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan decided to go without an inside linebacker presence on certain downs and opted to use extra defensive backs instead.

He tried to get creative to compensate for Lee's absence but Dallas was exposed on the ground. Whether or not it was Lee who would have made the difference, Dallas now has issues stopping the run.

That's two straight games where Ryan's defense was chopped up between the tackles, and I'm sure he'll change a few things up to fix what's wrong with their run defense.

The Cowboys Red Zone Woes Persist

Dallas has to figure out a way to get better in the red zone. In the first half, they have two grand opportunities to go in for scores, but ended up settling for field goals due to an inability to simply punch the ball in. They were 1-for-3 when it counted, and that just won't cut it.

The red zone has been like kryptonite for Dallas, and after nine weeks of football, it may be a time to hit the panic button. I don't mean on the season or as a team, but settling for field goals won't cut it for a team looking to make the playoffs.

Dallas was able to score in the red zone in the fourth quarter, but just look at how many points were left on the board in the first half.

Jason Garrett will have to either simplify or get more creative, but Dallas has to start scoring touchdowns instead of field goals when inside the 20-yard line.

The Cowboys Had Balance on Sunday

Garrett dialed up 31 passes to 29 runs. I will say that counts as a balanced attack. With a running back like DeMarco Murray in the backfield, Garrett is getting more comfortable with handing him the football.

As long as Murray continues to show that he's durable and trustworthy with the football, Garrett should, and I emphasize should, keep feeding him the rock.

The Cowboys didn't necessarily control the clock, as the Seahawks bested them with time of possession by about a minute, but it shows that the Cowboys controlled the pace of the game by the final score.

Their possessions were more fruitful, but hopefully, Garrett will keep with this formula moving forward.

Dallas Is Inconsistent

As much praise as I want to give Garrett for his use of Murray in the running game, the Cowboys are still without an identity. Are they going to pass the ball or are they going to run the ball?

May sound like a loud contradiction, but one of the knocks on Dallas is that they can't seem to find out who they are as a football team. That answer may change each week, and we may not find out until the end of the season. In fact, we may never find out because each game is different.

But with their inability to capitalize on red zone opportunities, it shows inconsistency in their offense and a need to sort of pick their poison when they are in certain situations.

The Cowboys Have a Certified Field Goal Kicker

I think its safe to say that Dallas has a guy who knows how to kick field goals. I believe that he's made 19 straight field goals if I'm not mistaken, and Dallas doesn't have to worry about him missing chip shot field goals because he's so efficient.

Dallas will need his leg down the stretch, and maybe even in the playoffs. But when the pressure starts to build and Dallas is down by two or three late in the game, Bailey shouldn't have any issues kicking late field goals to lift the Cowboys.

Miles Austin Is Hurt…Again

Austin re-aggravated his hamstring injury against the Seahawks on Sunday, and it may keep him sidelined for awhile. Austin caught a pretty deep ball from Romo and was promptly removed as trainers checked his leg.

Dallas is a much better team with Austin than without him, but the way Garrett has used his skill players lately, Austin’s impact may not be as significant. It will hurt because he’s a good wide receiver, and the Cowboys will miss his potential production, but I think Dallas should be fine without Austin.

Because they are in the midst of the “soft” part of their schedule, the Cowboys should be able to maintain a few weeks with Austin sidelined.

The Cowboys Move to 4-4, Face Buffalo Next Week

With their 10-point victory over the Seahawks, Dallas evens their record to 4-4. They take on a tough Buffalo team next week to try and gain more ground in the NFC East and their fight for a playoff berth.

Dallas is also 3-1 at home this year, so that should give them a leg up over a Bills team who will look to knock the Cowboys off next week.