by By Ashley Fox; Inquirer Columnist , The Philadelphia Inquirer

It was a bigger win for the Cowboys than it was a loss for the Eagles , though that's not much of a consolation prize for the home team. To supply their most-hated rival with a boost of confidence may prove fatal for the Birds in the end.

These Cowboys don't look, sound, or feel like those choking dogs of the past. They appear much more team-oriented. They have rid themselves of their most destructive prima donnas - Terrell Owens, Pacman Jones, Greg Ellis, and Tank Johnson - and seem, for the first time in a long time, to have a roster filled with guys content to play a role.

The offense credits the defense. The defense credits the offense. The coach credits the players. Everyone is in harmony.

Even wide receiver Roy Williams was happy Sunday night. Winning is the greatest elixir, and the Cowboys have now won four straight to claim sole possession of the top of the NFC East with a 6-2 record. Entering last night, their winning streak was tied with Pittsburgh's for the third-longest in the NFL this season, behind those of Indianapolis and New Orleans (both 8-0).

"The more you pile up these wins, and as talented as our team is and as well-coached as we are, the hard work we put into it, that just builds confidence," linebacker Keith Brooking said. "That's a dangerous recipe for us."

Brooking hasn't been around for a Cowboys December, so forgive him his optimism. But he is a Football lifer, a 12-year NFL veteran and five-time Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons. Brooking has experienced his share of dysfunction, and doesn't see it with the Cowboys.

Brooking also knew how big this game was to the Cowboys after last year's 44-6 embarrassment at Lincoln Financial Field.

"To come into a hostile environment and win a game like this, it's huge for us," Brooking said.

With the Cowboys ahead by four points after a 52-yard David Akers field goal, Dallas coach Wade Phillips told the offensive linemen that if they wanted to win the game, all they had to do was get two first downs. At the same time, running back Marion Barber walked over to the defensive players and said: "I've got this. Don't worry. I'm going to take care of this for y'all."

Barber had three runs for 23 yards, quarterback Tony Romo hit Jason Witten with a 5-yard pass on third and 3, and that was the ball game.

"I just love our atmosphere on the sideline," Brooking said, "the way we talk to one another, just the intensity in guys' eyes, that desire. That's what makes this game so much fun to play. We're having a lot of fun right now."

Said Cowboys linebacker Bradie James: "A year ago, it was a massacre here, but we decided to not even worry about that. . . . It wasn't sexy. It wasn't glamorous. This was one of those ugly wins that you have to have, and it feels good."

The Cowboys have cruised through November before, only to crash in December. But this team seems different. It seems real. It seems ready. And if that proves to be the case, if Dallas is a factor in December and January, the Eagles will have themselves to thank.

Contact columnist Ashley Fox at 215-854-5064 or afox@phillynews.com.

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