The Cowboys’ return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2018 campaign puts a lot of hype around the Cowboy team. And part of them revolve around Dak Prescott. Although this will be his third postseason since being in Dallas, it is the first since the quarterback got his million-dollar contract extension. Extension that, let us remember, placed him among the three highest paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
Now, with that lineup, Prescott will have added pressure: take the Cowboys as far as possible in this postseason.
Arriving in Dallas in the 2016 season, Prescott has had several regular seasons breaking team records as a passer. However, his record in the postseason is one win and two losses. This, let’s remember, after one game in 2016 (Packers) and two games in 2018 (Seahawks and Rams).
Dak Prescott putting it all on the line to beat the Seahawks in the 2019 playoffs pic.twitter.com/bro2kRRG2x
— America’s Team ✭ (@RoadToSix) February 26, 2021
These benefits, it is worth mentioning, are another point in common that Dak has with its predecessor: Tony Romo. In his career as Dallas’ quarterback, Romo also broke several team records. However, their record in the playoffs is 2-4. In fact, it couldn’t end Dallas’ long absence from a conference final.
Despite this, Romo is regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in Cowboys history. This, of course, being one step below Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman. Besides, the remembered #9 won the favoritism of many fans. Now, it’s Dak Prescott’s turn to start forging his own legacy as Dallas quarterback.
Looking at his numbers in the regular season, Prescott has managed to rank among the best in the NFL in several stats: 4th in completion percentage (68.8%), 5th in completions (410), 7th in passing yards (4,449), 4th in passing touchdowns (37) and 3rd in quarterback rating (104.2). Besides, he broke some team records, including the most touchdown passes in a season.
And with that TD, Dak Prescott has set the #DallasCowboys single-season passing TD record (37) breaking Tony Romo’s record set in 2007!
— Entirely Sports (@Entirely_Sports) January 9, 2022
However, Prescott’s performance has been spotty. Specifically, he hasn’t been the same since the calf injury he sustained late in the game against the Patriots in Week 6. Since his return in Week 9, Prescott hasn’t been at his best. There was even much talk of his performance slump during the second half of the regular season.
It is true that in that stretch there were three games where Prescott was really dominant. However, those victories came against much inferior rivals: Atlanta (week 10), Washington (week 16) and Philadelphia (week 18). A special mention goes to the week 12 game against Las Vegas, which Dallas lost. There Dak did not shine, but he had good passing records.
Except for those games, Prescott’s performance has left a lot to be desired in the second half of the season. This has aroused the mistrust of many fans, also increasing criticism of Dak. Because of this, there are many who think that the Cowboys are going to fall again in the first round of the playoffs.
DAK PRESCOTT THROWS A PICK SIX!! WASHINGTON IS STILL ALIVE!!! pic.twitter.com/g1g7fdXVgX
— ✯✯✯✯✯???? (@FTB_Vids_YT) December 12, 2021
Given this scenario, Prescott has a great opportunity before him. It’s time for the quarterback to show if he deserves to be considered an elite quarterback in the NFL. Or, if he’s another one of those QBs who ends up being inflated by multimillion-dollar contracts and doesn’t live up to expectations.
In addition, the quarterback could also help extend the Cowboys’ positive balance in the playoffs by playing at AT&T Stadium. Since its 2009 move to Arlington, Dallas is 3-1 in the postseason. Now, against the 49ers, they could add one more victory to that balance.
Without a doubt, the Cowboys will have to be at their best in all facets of the game this Sunday. Especially the offensive section, where it will be vital for Dak Prescott to play at his best. It is true that criticism of the Dallas quarterback will continue as long as he does not win a championship. But a good performance leading to victory over the 49ers would be an important step in building his legacy on the cowboy team.
