By Chris Tomasson

St. Paul Pioneer Press

Since the Dallas Cowboys won the Super Bowl following the 1995 season, they have won just three playoff games and never even made it back to an NFC championship game.

Barry Switzer was the coach for that Super Bowl victory. He recently had some fun with owner Jerry Jones.

“I visited with Jerry on the phone,’’ said Switzer, who left Dallas after the 1997 season. “I told him this is the first time in 20 years I’ve enjoyed watching the Cowboys. I watch every darn play now. Those two rookies, they’ve put a lot of excitement into it.’’

The rookies who have helped turn it around are quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott. They’ll be on display for the 10-1 Cowboys on Thursday night against the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.

“It’s going to be tough challenge for us, definitely our biggest challenge of the year coming off a loss and just kind of a tough spot that we’re in right now,’’ said Minnesota linebacker Chad Greenway. “It couldn’t be more important for our football team.’’

The Vikings (6-5) are coming off a 16-13 loss Thursday at Detroit, their fifth defeat in six games. Coach Mike Zimmer, though, said the mood was good in a team meeting Sunday, and he spoke to “quite a few players individually.’’

Now, to keep their playoff hopes from going on life support, all the Vikings have to do is defeat a team that has won 10 consecutive games and has the NFL’s best mark.

“As far as team’s record, they’re the best team that we’ve played,’’ said safety Andrew Sendejo.

Getting most of the headlines have been Prescott and Elliott. Prescott has passed for 2,835 yards with 18 touchdowns and two interceptions after being a fourth-round pick from Mississippi State, and Elliott has rushed for an NFL-best 1,199 yards after being selected No. 4 overall out of Ohio State.

Zimmer offered one reason why the two rookies have done so well.

“They have an excellent offensive line, best linemen in football,’’ Zimmer said. “They’re the best line I’ve seen in a long time in the NFL, physical, athletic, big.’’

The line has opened gaping holes for Elliott and allowed Prescott to be sacked just 15 times in 11 games.