W-L is the bottom-line stat

[percyhoward]

But the Cowboys have improved over 2012 in three other good ones that correlate highly with successful seasons.

Since 2010, there have been 25 teams that finished the season ranked among the top 12 in pass rating differential, turnover differential, and points-per-drive differential. All 25 teams had records of 10-6 or better.

2012 GB Sea SF Atl Was NE Hou Cin Bal Chi
2011 GB NE Hou SF Det Bal Atl
2010 GB NE Pit Bal Chi Atl Phi TB

Currently, Dallas ranks among the top 12 in all three categories. Here's how it breaks down, with comparisons to last year.

Pass Rating
2013
offense 6th
defense 17th
differential 6th

2012
offense 9th
defense 29th
differential 18th

Give/Take
2013
offense (give) 12th
defense (take) 4th
differential 7th

2012
offense (give) 25th
defense (take) 29th
differential 27th

Points Per Drive
2013
offense 10th
defense 19th
differential 11th

2012
offense 10th
defense 26th
differential 20th