IRVING, Texas -- Jason Garrett should be the head coach of your Dallas Cowboys for quite awhile.

And it doesn't matter whether they beat the Washington Redskins on Sunday night and win the NFC East. Or whether they lose the game and miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett says progress can't be measured in only wins and losses. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Garrett earned another year. So get over it, and embrace the notion.

Besides, saying a win over Washington, which would give the Cowboys nine victories, is the only way to show tangible progress because it means one more victory than last season is silly.

There are certainly times to be results-oriented, just as there are times to be process-oriented.

"I think there are a lot of different ways to measure success in football and in life," Garrett said. "Bottom line is one of them, certainly, but there are a lot of other ways to do it."

These Cowboys remain flawed, but anyone who consistently watches this team can see tangible signs of improvement since September and October. Those who don't simply choose not to acknowledge the progress.

Look at the development of young players such as Bruce Carter (on injured reserve), Dez Bryant, Tyron Smith, Morris Claiborne, Jermey Parnell and Dwayne Harris.

Look at these Cowboys compete regardless of the score. Don't forget, we're talking about a team with guys named Sterling Moore, Ernie Sims, Brian Schaefering, Michael Coe, Eric Frampton, Rob Callaway, Brady Poppinga and Charlie Peprah who have accounted for 440 snaps the past three games.