Jason Garrett and the Cowboys were quite familiar with the four championship week participants, having played four games this season against the Giants, Patriots and 49ers.
They went 1-3, beating the 49ers in overtime in Week 2 and losing to the Giants and Patriots by seven total points before New York blew them out in the finale, 31-14.
Tuesday at the Senior Bowl, Garrett was asked what his team could learn from the four NFL semi-finalists, particularly on defense, considering both games Sunday were hardly offensive shootouts.
"I think each of the teams that played in the championship games were outstanding football teams in all three areas," Garrett said. "I think you saw how well their defenses played. When you watch them you understand that you have to be a well-rounded football team to get to that point. They earned the opportunity to play in those games.
"You want to get better, want to take the next step, want to improve our football team every way that we can."
