The Dallas Cowboys are really getting that "Best in the NFL" type of hype right now. I guess that's what a 2-0 start with a combined score of 70-10 in the NFL can do for you. 

It's easy to see why. Two weeks in, the Cowboys have not only beaten teams they were supposed to but absolutely dominated while doing so. There's only one reason to doubt the hype, and we'll discuss it in a moment.

First, let's get to the positives that have Cowboys fans thinking this is their year. This time, for real. 

Cowboys' defensive domination 

Mainly, it's the defense that's shined bright as Micah Parsons got off to a hot start with three sacks in two games. He also received the highest grade of his career from Pro Football Focus following the win over the New York Jets. But even if it all starts with what he does and what his impact means for his teammates, it's not just him, is it?

Defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa also has three sacks. Another three players have at least one each and they've all contributed to generating pressure.

Meanwhile, in the backend, the Cowboys have Trevon Diggs, who's played remarkable (and much more physical) football. Stephon Gilmore, other than a bad moment versus Jets WR Garrett Wilson when he allowed a 68-yard touchdown, has played very solid coverage. The safety room is its usual self even without Donovan Wilson and the concerning linebacker room has yet to show signs of weakness. 

Even the Cowboys' run defense, supposedly one of the biggest concerns for the team, is the best in the league in EPA/play so far, per RBSDM. Now granted, getting ahead early in games has favored the defense in that sense as Daniel Jones and Zach Wilson were each forced to drop back time and time again. 

Per PFR, the Cowboys lead all of the following categories two weeks into the season: 

• Yards per play (3.5)
• Pressure rate (33%)
• Sacks (10)
• Interceptions (5)
• Passes defended (15)
• Passer rating allowed (34.2)
• Percentage of drives ending in turnover (30%)
• Net yards gained per attempt (3.2)
• Expected points contributed by all defense (42)

Offensive efficiency 

The Cowboys offense has barely started flexing its muscles because, quite honestly, they haven't had the need to do it. But against the Jets, we saw glimpses of a quick-hitting attack as Dak Prescott found his targets consistently. The Cowboys quarterback himself attributed part of his success to the West Coast footwork McCarthy is implementing.

It was a patient offense as Prescott averaged under five yards of depth of target. And yet, his game was impressive, finding CeeDee Lamb 11 times for 143 yards. Against one of the best defenses in the game, Dak looked calm under pressure, completing 8-of-11 attempts in those scenarios.

And the unit isn't even at full strength as Tyler Smith has yet to debut in the 2023 season and Brandin Cooks was out for Week 2. This offense needs to be tested in different scenarios but so far, Mike McCarthy's Texas Coast is looking good as Prescott is currently second in QB efficiency measured by EPA and CPOE.

And yet… who have they played?

I struggle with this one. Let's start with the fact that the schedule is beyond the control of the Cowboys and as such I can't knock them for it. Plus, it's not like they've faced the worst two teams in the NFL.

On the one hand, the Giants were a playoff team last year and the Cowboys did manhandle them on the road. Taking any merit away from this one would be crazy. But it's true that New York isn't considered a top contender in the NFC.

As for the Jets, the defense is 100% legit and the offense deserves applause for how they fared against them, even if they left many points on the board in the red zone. But on the other side, Zach Wilson behind that offensive line never stood a chance. 

Is the hype legit? I bet it is. As someone who picked the Eagles to win the NFC East, I'd change that pick in a heartbeat if I had the chance to go back in time. The Cowboys have one of the best rosters they've had since they last won the Super Bowl in 1996. And heck, the coaching staff might be the best in the division with McCarthy and Dan Quinn both having Super Bowl experience as head coaches.

But we do need to see how they fare against tougher opponents. Week 4 might provide a difficult test against the same New England Patriots team that almost upset the Eagles and the Miami Dolphins. But then Week 5 will present an entirely different challenge as the team will travel to San Francisco to see the 49ers.

Beating the same team that's eliminated them in back-to-back postseasons is the ultimate chance to prove the hype is completely real and that they've got what it takes to go all the way. 

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports