Troy Aikman believes the Dallas Cowboys can still capture the NFC East title despite holding a sub-.500 record, reported Yahoo Sports.
The former quarterback spoke on 96.7 The Ticket about the team’s postseason outlook and upcoming schedule.
Dallas sits 1.5 games behind the New York Giants in the division standings, according to the same outlet.
Aikman views the upcoming matchup against the 49ers as a critical test for the roster.
He told the radio station, “Well, I do think it’s an opportunity in a game like this.”
He added that defeating San Francisco would serve as a major confidence boost for the squad.
Aikman stated, “If they can beat them, then they can play with anybody on any given day.”
The team enters the contest following a 27-23 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
However, that win failed to resolve deep defensive vulnerabilities plaguing the roster.
Dallas currently ranks last in the NFL for defensive impact metrics and yields 147.4 rushing yards per game.
Injuries have further compounded these struggles across the defensive unit.
Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown is trending toward a return for Sunday after missing the Indianapolis game due to hamstring and back issues.
Overshown posted full practice participation on Thursday, according to reports.
Meanwhile, rookie Jaishawn Barham has shifted to the edge rusher group under defensive coordinator Christian Parker.
Offensively, former lineman Zack Martin praised quarterback Dak Prescott as a model of consistency.
Martin stated in a one-on-one interview, “He’s the leader.”
Martin also noted, “He’s as good a teammate as I’ve ever been around.”
Rivalry tensions have also heightened ahead of the weekend.
San Francisco tight end George Kittle addressed whether he would wear a controversial T-shirt targeting Dallas.
When asked by 95.7 The Game about preparing the shirt for the matchup, Kittle stated, “Potentially.”
He added, “I don’t know if I can show that one again, I think I’d get suspended, so don’t want to do that.”
The Cowboys face kickoff at AT&T Stadium needing a victory to maintain pace in the NFC East race.