Did Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy guarantee win over WFT?

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Wednesday he was returning to in-person work Thursday from the COVID-19 absence that forced him to watch last Thursday's win at the New Orleans Saints from inside a hotel room. 

As Todd Archer noted for ESPN, McCarthy is back at the office and had some bold words ahead of Sunday's clash at the 6-6 Washington Football Team. 

"We're going to win this game," McCarthy told reporters. "I'm confident in that."

History shows opponents have used such suggested guarantees as bulletin-board material heading into matchups. McCarthy had an answer for this type of response.

"I mean, what am I supposed to say? Yeah, I fully expect to win every game I've ever competed in," the coach remarked. "That's what sports is all about. That's what the NFL (is all about). Trust me, I understand how hard it is. They're working hard. We're working hard. But, yeah, we're clearly planning on going to Washington and winning the game. There's no doubt about that."

Dallas sits atop the NFC East standings at 8-4 and holds a two-game advantage over Washington. According to Archer, McCarthy owns a career 39-19 record across December contests. 

"I mean December football defines your season," McCarthy continued. "You have to get it done in December. There's no way we can get to where we want to go if we don't take care of things. I like the fact that we're on a five-week stretch. Hopefully, this stays seven days. That would be nice. But I really like the way this lays up for us."

The Cowboys face the lowly New York Giants on Dec. 19 and then host Washington on Dec. 26, meaning they theoretically could bounce two rivals from postseason conversations over the next three weekends. 

McCarthy also said he expects banged-up running backs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard will play Sunday at Washington.