Many of the topics that have been talked about regarding the Cowboys campaign have to do with Dak Prescott. Of course, this is the franchise quarterback and locker room leader. He is supposed to be the player who should take Dallas to the Super Bowl this February 13 at SoFi Stadium.
Now, with everything and the record of 12-5 in the regular season and the fact that they became absolute leaders of the Eastern division and the third place in the NFC, Prescott in certain situations does not finish convincing. After a great start to Week 6, where the only loss was just a two-point loss to Tampa Bay in Week 1, Dak hasn’t looked as sharp after the bye week.
Much is credited to the fact that he injured his right calf in the last action that would lead to the victory over the Patriots in overtime at Gillette Stadium. However, after his return in week 9 against the Broncos, he has not relapsed into injury or any other type of discomfort. Either way, the month of November was fatal for the Cowboys. With losses to Denver, Kansas City and Las Vegas. And despite the fact that the Cowboys won all of December, much of the credit went to defense. The truth is that the offense was not at its best, with only one dominant game against Washington in Week 16.
EVERY BIG MAN TD IS BIGGER IN TEXAS! #DallasCowboys
????: #WASvsDAL on NBC
????: https://t.co/RVn6kdfzlm pic.twitter.com/ltM10YJMr6— NFL (@NFL) December 27, 2021
It was also seen in week 17’s loss to the Cardinals. Situation that lowered them in the positions for the postseason of the NFC. Where Prescott was wildly erratic with 24 completions of 38 attempts for 226 yards. Despite scoring three touchdowns, a fumble on his part during the final period of the game practically sentenced the game with the final score of 25-22 in Arizona’s favor.
Isaiah Simmons causes the turnover! #RedSea @isaiahsimmons25
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????: NFL app pic.twitter.com/5cbnr6Snhn— NFL (@NFL) January 3, 2022
Of course, Prescott and the offense had one last chance for the group to look forceful and gain confidence heading into the postseason. They did that against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Where the American team defeated their rivals in the NFC East with a score of 51 to 26. Of course, a good part of the Philadelphia team were substitutes, but you cannot detract from the offensive work. Prescott would end this game with 21 completions of 27 attempts, for 295 yards and five touchdowns. When it comes to touchdowns, it’s the first time Dak has scored goals in a single game in his entire professional career.
Make that five touchdowns for @dak ????
????: #DALvsPHI on ESPN/ABC
????: https://t.co/db0DaDFSBa pic.twitter.com/G6IGssDyiZ— NFL (@NFL) January 9, 2022
Despite the ups and downs, Dak has a new franchise record of 37 touchdowns, surpassing Tony Romo’s mark of 36 for the 2007 season. And again reaching more than 4 thousand yards per passing plays. For this regular season, he managed to add 4449 more yards for his personal account.
History Made ???? #DALvsPHI | #DallasCowboys #WPMOYChallenge Prescott pic.twitter.com/6ppQ30LcPN
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 9, 2022
This all sounds great, but its extension in March last year has nothing to do with it. Glad Dallas finished first in their division and one of the best in the conference, but the real goal is for Prescott to make it through the entire postseason and win the Super Bowl.
Of note is the fact that since the 1995 season the Cowboys have not been to an NFC championship game. Therefore, on Prescott’s shoulders rests the responsibility of moving the team forward this year. Which, for example, Tony Romo could not achieve. Someone who is fondly remembered in the organization, but cannot compare to quarterbacks like Roger Staubach or Troy Aikman.
This results in Dak having to maintain his level and beat the team he crosses from now on. The first rival will be the 49ers, and in the next round it will be time to wait for the results to see the next team they have to face. Whoever it is, Prescott and the rest of the locker room have to be prepared. The smallest mistake can leave them out and this must be avoided at all costs.
“It’s had a great year for a guy who had a slump,” said head coach Mike McCarthy jokingly. The truth is that Prescott has played relatively well, but it is never enough. There are many criticisms regarding teams with a higher level where it has been due. So he will have to play his best to get the group going. Against some 49ers who will seek to surprise the rival field.
This is crunch time and Prescott has to make good on the $ 160 million he made in his extension with the Cowboys. After all, both he and Rodgers are the only quarterbacks in the entire NFL with more than 35 touchdown passes, more than 4,000 yards and 10 or fewer interceptions. The time has come to assert these numbers and arrive at SoFi Stadium in February, that’s the goal.
