Dallas Cowboys coach Jason Garrett has urged his side to work on the mental side of their game in order to gain the advantage in important matches in 2013.

The Cowboys record in win-or-go-home games was 1-6 last season, a record that Garrett said must improve if they are to have success.

"I think you have to be mentally tough to be successful in this league, there's no question about that," Garrett told ESPN.

"Mental toughness is a really, really important trait for players, coaches and teams in this league. By definition, because we didn't get to those next steps, we weren't mentally tough enough. And we've got to get stronger that way."

Garrett was with the Cowboys for seven seasons as a player.