Cowboys Better In 1st Year Of Garrett, More To Go

IRVING (AP) – In his first season's worth of games running the Dallas Cowboys, Jason Garrett succeeded in his initial mandate of changing the culture around the club.

With an emphasis on "passion, emotion and enthusiasm," Garrett stabilized the wayward team he inherited a year ago.

The group that was routinely getting crushed has been competitive every week, with just one lopsided loss in 16 games.

Two major challenges remain: Winning close games and winning consistently.

The Cowboys are 9-7 under Garrett. Six of the losses are by four points or less. And they've yet to win more than two straight games.

Dallas (4-4) happens to be early in a stretch that could define its season and Garrett's tenure thus far. The Cowboys are likely to be favored in their next four games; a sweep would send them into December with a great chance to win the NFC East.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)