2 weeks Ago
Sure, they are starting two rookies on the offensive line, have the worst running game in the NFL and boast only one consistent receiver. But, at some point, the Dallas Cowboys need quarterback Dak Prescott to play like the highest-paid player in league history. Or else.
Austin (TW1G) Givan The man who last season finished second in MVP voting and who just before this year became the NFL's first $60 million-per-season player should not play down to his team's decreased level, but more so lift it up by himself. Instead, the Cowboys are 3-4 thanks, in part, because Prescott himself is having a sub-par season. After a record-setting season in 2023, he's only ninth in passing yards (1,845) and 13th in touchdowns (10).
More alarming, his 63.7-percent completion percentage ranks 23rd and is worse than Andy Dalton and Wil Levis. Those quarterbacks lead teams that are 1-7 (Dalton's Carolina Panthers) and 1-6 (Levis' Tennessee Titans).
But most telling is that Prescott has already thrown eight interceptions, second-most in the league. In last week's loss to the San Francisco 49ers he threw two more, becoming the first Cowboys' quarterback since Troy Aikman in 1992 to have at least two in three consecutive games. “I don't have to be perfect, but I sure can't be having the turnovers," Prescott said after that game.
"We put ourselves behind in the turnover battle and that's on me. Can't have that if you're planning to win games. I've got to clean that up, period.
” The Cowboys enter Sunday's crucial game at the Atlanta Falcons with a turnover ratio of minus-8. Only the Titans and Las Vegas Raiders are worse. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the NFC-leading Detroit Lions are plus-10.
Prescott this week labeled some of his errant passes as "bonehead." Compounding his drastic dip in accuracy (he was almost 70 percent last season) is Dak's hesitation to run. He's less productive with both his arm, and legs.
Said the captain, "I'm personally frustrated. Frustrated with myself about my play." These aren't the Cowboys of Tyron Smith or Tony Pollard or even a consistent second receiver such as Brandin Cooks.
Prescott has to - is paid to - be the rising tide that lifts all boats. Related: Dak Makes 'Must-Win' Statement Amid 'Running QB' Doubts "I think we're having a rougher go than I anticipated," admitted owner Jerry Jones this week. "I did not anticipate the challenges that we're having with this team.
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I have seen Dak make the kinds of plays that would cause us to have a different turnover ratio, for instance." Starting with the Falcons, the Cowboys' next four games are against winning teams with a combined record of 22-10. With a loss Sunday they would fall to 3-5.
Prescott is calling it a "must win." Since Jones bought the team in 1989 they have started 3-5 six previous times. Of those, only once did they make the playoffs.
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