Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys are starting to feel good back to himself after a decisive victory at home on Sunday over the LA Rams, 43-20. That’s two straight wins since their embarrassing 42-10 loss to San Francisco a few weeks ago. With division rival Philadelphia on deckPrescott appears to have traded personas with team owner Jerry Jones.
Although Jones doesn’t want to poke the bear (for once), Prescott was quite chatty after Sunday’s win and even said to pour honey on him when he was in a fight with a bear. That proverb will take the form of an eagle dressed in green in week 9. Last year, these teams split the season series, with Prescott and Jalen Hurts each missing one of those games.
So this will be the first time in more than two years that the two quarterbacks will face off against each other. The last time was in Week 4 of the 2021 campaign, when Dak was clearly the better QB. Dallas won the series that season, but this time it’s a completely different game.
Never underestimate inter-division rivalry
although Philly hasn’t been dominant this year, they still have the best record in the NFL (7-1) and hold a two-game lead over Dallas in the NFC East. This team just seems to have the right formula and knows how to win under all circumstances. Jalen Hurts may not be a top MVP candidate like he was last year, but his leadership, combined with Nick Sirianni’s coaching staff, puts this team in prime position for another deep postseason run.
This Eagles defense is still pretty good and one of the best at getting to the QB again with 25 sacks, which ranks sixth in the league. Why Prescott would want to poke this bear, especially heading into Philly, is baffling. He has played well this year, but doesn’t have the best track record in big games. Prescott needs to take the lead and back up the swaggering attitude he’s showing in this match.
If the Cowboys have any hope of winning the NFC East, Sunday is a must-win this season. Three games behind the Eagles within the division will all but ensure a second straight NFC East title for Philadelphia. Dak will have to play the lights out for Dallas to win this game. But if he thinks the Eagles aren’t using his quotes as message board material, he’s out of his mind.
A loss to Philly in Week 9 likely means, at best, a wild card berth for Dallas and going on the road in the playoffs. This is a moment when following Jones’ lead might be best for things on the field. The Cowboys are 5-2, but not far from a win embarrassed in the most humiliating way less than a month ago. This is not the time to talk big and shut up.