The Dallas Cowboys are hungry. Extremely hungry. And that should alarm the rest of the league.

That much is clear after dropping their previous game to the Philadelphia Eagles in week six. Dallas went into enemy territory short-handed without their starting quarterback. Despite the disadvantage, the Cowboys took the Eagles into the fourth quarter with a chance to win.

Now, Dak Prescott has been medically cleared for game action. The Cowboys' starting quarterback is expected to return to the field this weekend against the Detroit Lions. That sets up nicely for Prescott and the Cowboys to make a statement.

Especially since the Cowboys want to get the taste of the loss to the Eagles out of their mouths. As quickly as possible.

“What I saw today was us beating ourselves,” Cowboys’ defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence told the media after the game against the Eagles. “We gave them more opportunities to score the ball.”

Cowboys send message to NFL

Micah Parsons claims that the Cowboys are "going to get better" from their loss. Dak Prescott believes that Dallas is in a "good position" for the remainder of the season.

Parsons and Prescott are well-known vocal leaders in the locker room. But it's not just those two speaking up. Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch made some interesting comments this week, too.

“We got the crew this year to take it all the way," Vander Esch said while expressing confidence. "It’s ultimately about us. If we don’t beat ourselves, we’re gonna kick everybody’s butt.”

Vander Esch has stepped up his game this season for the Cowboys. He is one reason why the defense is playing at a high level. The veteran linebacker is aware that the entire team needs to be at their best.

Furthermore, the former first-round draft pick also realizes how important it is to have Prescott back on the field. It is evident how much Prescott means to the locker room.

“Its awesome having Dak back. I know he’s been preparing his butt off to get back as soon as he can," Vander Esch said. "It will be awesome to see him back on the field.”

There is confidence brewing from the Dallas Cowboys. It's time to back that talk up and make a run in what is shaping up to be a wide open race in the NFC. As it stands now, the Cowboys are putting the league on notice.

Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports