The Dallas Cowboys missed out on a place in the playoffs for the fourth season in a row, as the Philadelphia Eagles beat them to the NFC East title.

For the third straight year, Jason Garrett's team posted an 8-8 record.

The team had to battle through injuries throughout the season, including a season-ending back injury for quarterback Tony Romo.

Sports Mole looks back at their 2013 NFL campaign.

Pre-season expectations:

After missing out on a place in the playoffs on the final day of the 2012 season, the Cowboys had high hopes of going one better in 2013. Dallas surprised some by selecting center Travis Frederick in the first round of the Draft, and had a mixed pre-season record, winning two of their five games. However, wide receiver Dez Bryant was considered one of the pre-season favourites to be named MVP in 2013.

Highlight of the season:

After losing out to the Washington Redskins on the final day of the 2012 season, costing them a playoff place, the Cowboys had a chance for revenge in the sixth week of the campaign when the defending NFC East champions visited AT&T Stadium. The home side scored four touchdowns as they cruised to a 31-16 win over their divisional rivals, confirming that they were contenders for the NFC East title.

Biggest disappointment:

The Cowboys tested the then-unbeaten Denver Broncos in week five, but came out on the wrong side of a 51-48 scoreline. With the scores tied at 48-48, quarterback Tony Romo was looking for the game-winning drive, but a misplaced pass was intercepted by Danny Trevathan, allowing the Broncos to clinch the win which also dropped the Cowboys down to second in their division.

Player of the season:

Wide receiver Dez Bryant was not at his best in 2013, but he still proved a constant threat in the passing game, finishing the year with 1,233 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. The 25-year-old's season was not all plain sailing, as he struggled with a back injury throughout the campaign, while also having a much-publicised falling-out with tight end Jason Witten on the sideline following the team's defeat to the Detroit Lions.

Unsung hero:

DeMarcus Ware and Sean Lee may be considered the leaders of the Cowboys' defense, but it was Barry Church who led the way in tackles in 2013, posting 135. The safety was coming off an Achilles tear at the start of the year, but he quickly found himself in a starting role, both at safety and linebacker as injuries stacked up for the team. 2013 saw the 26-year-old make his first career interception, as well as three forced fumbles.

Off-season changes:

The Cowboys have the majority of their star players contracted for the 2014 season, but defensive tackle Jason Hatcher and linebacker Anthony Spencer could be set to leave the team during free agency next month. The team has already made a change to their coaching staff, appointing Rod Marinelli as their new defensive coordinator, taking over from Monte Kiffin, who takes up an assistant head coach post.

2014 prospects:

The NFC East has proved one of the more closely-fought divisions in recent years, and with the Eagles coming off a strong season, and the Redskins with plenty of salary cap space to bring in new players, Dallas will face an uphill battle to get back in the playoffs in 2014. A number of key players will be coming off injuries, including franchise quarterback Tony Romo, who has undergone surgery for a herniated disc, and linebacker Sean Lee, who is still battling a neck ligament tear. Their recoveries will be crucial if the Cowboys are to compete next season.