Former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marcus Spears is hesitant to label the team as a true Super Bowl contender, casting concerns after their 20-15 win over the New York Giants on “Thursday Night Football.”

Spears, a first-round pick by the Cowboys in the 2005 NFL draft, played nine seasons in the NFL, including eight with Dallas. Known for his versatility and strength in run defense, he started 89 games for the Cowboys between 2005 and 2012, recording 10.0 career sacks during his tenure.

Reflecting on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl chances this season, Spears expressed doubt, stating that their performance against the Giants did little to change his mind.

“Last night did nothing in regards to making you feel like the Dallas Cowboys are a legit contender,” Spears said Friday morning on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

Spears noted that, despite the win, it was an ugly game for Dallas. The offense struggled throughout, particularly in the run game, with leading rusher Rico Dowdle managing just 46 yards on 11 carries.

The Cowboys rank 30th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, averaging only 75.3 yards per contest.

“You don’t walk away from that game saying, ‘They took a step forward,’” Spears added.

The Dallas Cowboys have won seven straight games against the New York Giants. 

Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images

The Cowboys had trouble putting the Giants away, with the game coming down to a final Hail Mary attempt by Daniel Jones, which was intercepted by Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye.

“In this league, you have to show an ability to dominate in some facet of the game,” Spears said. “And I would like somebody to tell me, instead of calling me negative Nancy, what phase did Dallas dominate in, outside of Dak (Prescott) having an efficient night?”

Prescott finished the game completing 22-of-27 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Despite back-to-back losses at home to the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, the win on Thursday night brought the Cowboys back to .500 with a 2-2 record entering Week 5.