The Dallas Cowboys and Dak Prescott came into Saturday’s Wildcard matchup against the Green Bay Packers as significant two-score favorites, and almost nobody believed the final outcome would play out like it did.
Players, coaches, media and fans were stunned and Cowboys fans were furious when the final whistle blew.
While the Cowboys entered the game with a playoff history that hasn’t included a trip to the NFC Championship game since 1995, this year truly felt different.
Many of the smartest NFL minds picked the Dallas Cowboys as the favorite to win the Super Bowl. On offense, Dak Prescott entered Sunday’s playoff game coming off one of his best seasons — and was considered the front runner for NFL MVP much of the year.
The Cowboys entered the game riding a streak of 16 straight home victories dating back to the 2022 season. Unfortunately, Prescott and the team’s offense came out flat in front of their home fans at AT&T Stadium, and things got out of hand quickly.
Prescott failed to keep up with Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions as he led the NFL’s youngest team to a Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Prescott threw for 403 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions on 41-of-60 passing in Sunday’s game. While those numbers appear solid on the surface, most of his production came when the game was already out of reach. Dallas faced deficits of 27-0 and 48-16 during the game
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Stunned After Playoff Loss, Makes Jaw-Dropping Statement About Future
Ahead of Saturday’s playoff game, it was clear the Cowboys have certainly locked themselves in with Prescott as its franchise QB.
In a report released Saturday morning from Mike Fisher who covers Dallas for Sports Illustrated, Prescott is due for a massive extension that could make him the highest paid player in the NFL.
In addition to the Jones family’s faith in Dak as a player and leader, the Cowboys have essentially made their bed in terms of Prescott being this team’s centerpiece for the long term. The already-large commitment will, for cap reasons, almost surely lead to another large commitment in order to not only retain the player but also to spread out his money cap-wise so other roster business – new deals for Micah Parsons and CeeDee Lamb included – can be done.
Prescott is presently a “$40 million APY” player … who is likely to soon be a “$50 or $60 million APY” player – whs
The debate about “whether he is worth it” will be part of this, and it is understandable; is Prescott really a “top QB”? What’s he done to justify a $50 or $60 million salary? Maybe he should accept a discount that is more team-friendly? What’s he done to set in stone the next big move?
The Dallas Cowboys’ commitment will feel more justified to critics if Dak Prescott and company knock off with the 7-point underdogs, and if they do it again the following week, and if they … Well, you know.
While it’s unlikely the team parts ways with Prescott and an extension is still likely, it’s fair to wonder if yet another early playoff exit will affect the offer he’s presented.
The Cowboys signal caller didn’t hold back when addressing reporters after the unexpected loss to the Packers.
“I sucked tonight,” Prescott told reporters after the game. “And that’s it. … It’s about winning, and winning in the playoffs.”
Prescott added that he was “shocked” by Sunday’s loss, saying, “Obviously I didn’t play well.” When asked how the Cowboys can get past this disappointment and eventually achieve playoff success, he responded, “I wish I had that answer for you.”
While Prescott’s job security should be safe — there’s a real chance owner Jerry Jones could make a drastic move at head coach and part ways with Mike McCarthy. Jones has a strong friendship with former Patriots HC Bill Belichick and there are reports the Dallas Cowboys could target him as their next head coach.
And while it’s not surprising to hear Dak Prescott use words like “shocked’ and “stunned” to describe his feelings after the stunning upset, hie made a jaw-dropping statement when asked about McCarthy potentially losing his job after the loss.
According to ESPN Dallas Cowboys reporter Todd Archer, Prescott said if McCarthy’s job is in question than his should be too. That’s an honorable, yet shocking thing to hear from one of the best QBs in the NFL this season.
It will be interesting to see how thinks shake out with the Dallas Cowboys in the coming days and weeks.
