Seattle witnessed the presence of the iconic 80-year-old owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones, as he stood outside the team’s locker room before their preseason game. With his signature blue suit, light blue shirt, and black dress shoes, Jones exuded his classic style, complete with a Cowboy pin on his lapel. Despite the passage of time, Jones’ passion for the game remains unwavering, even after 27 years without reaching the NFC title game or securing a fourth Super Bowl victory since purchasing the franchise in 1989. He yearns for success and firmly believes that this year’s team, following two consecutive 12-win seasons, has what it takes to win it all.
However, what sets Jerry Jones apart is his refusal to deem a 12-5 season a failure. He understands the difficulties of winning a Super Bowl in a highly competitive league and asserts that falling short does not diminish the significance of their accomplishments thus far. Jones firmly believes that this year, the team is in a better position than ever to emerge victorious. With a strong roster and a talented quarterback in Dak Prescott, Jones places his trust in their ability to go all the way.
Dak Prescott, now entering his eighth year, has become somewhat of a polarizing figure. The past two seasons saw him struggle in crucial moments during playoff losses. First, there was the ill-fated scramble against the Niners two seasons ago that ended in defeat as the clock ran out. Then, there was the disastrous 48-second series in the final three minutes at San Francisco last year. It included a dropped interception, an incomplete pass, a frustrating sack, and ultimately, the end of the season. I recounted these moments to Jones, describing them as 48 seconds he could never retrieve.
Surprisingly, Jones responded with acceptance of those circumstances. He firmly believes that had they won that day, the Super Bowl would have been within their grasp. When asked if he still trusts Dak to bring home a championship, Jones expressed unwavering faith in his quarterback. He values Prescott’s preparation, leadership, and ability to rally the team. Jones truly believes that Prescott has what it takes to lead them to victory.
Few individuals in football command as much admiration as Dak Prescott. His heartfelt speech upon winning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award resonated deeply, especially when he acknowledged the impact of his late mother on his life. Prescott possesses all the qualities one desires in a team leader, and his regular-season performance reflects his influence. With a career rating of 97.8, 67-percent accuracy, and just 36 losses in 97 starts, Prescott’s statistics speak for themselves.
However, to truly cement his legacy alongside the likes of Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman as one of America’s Team’s greatest quarterbacks and to bring a Super Bowl back to Dallas for the first time since 1995, Prescott must elevate his performance in crucial moments. I spoke to Prescott about that fateful drive against San Francisco and the ensuing decision to replace offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Although the team may not explicitly admit it, that drive likely played a role in the change. Jones hired Mike McCarthy with the intention of taking on game-planning and play-calling responsibilities.
Prescott reflected on that drive, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes. He acknowledged that the offseason focused on analyzing the details that led to those three unsuccessful plays. Prescott and McCarthy worked tirelessly to ensure that everyone was on the same page, from receivers to linemen, to optimize the execution of plays. They aimed to turn their weaknesses into strengths and improve the overall operation to ensure a smoother performance. Additionally, with the potential for a faster offensive tempo and the addition of deep threat Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys aim to put more pressure on opposing defenses.
The Cowboys have struggled in the postseason, boasting a 5-12 record since their last Super Bowl victory 28 years ago. Prescott has played a part in that, currently holding a 2-4 playoff record. As he enters his thirties, the focus is on his ability to deliver playoff wins. Prescott acknowledges the pressure to win the Super Bowl and understands that two postseason victories won’t suffice. To meet the high standards expected by the organization and its fans, he aims to string together multiple playoff wins en route to the Super Bowl. The standard is exceptionally high when wearing the star on the helmet, but Prescott and his teammates embrace the challenge.
Nonetheless, the pressure can feel suffocating at times. Prescott recognizes that opportunities such as the one he currently has are rare, as he enters the season with one of the three NFC teams most likely to make the Super Bowl (alongside the Eagles and 49ers). These chances are fleeting and must be seized.
For more insights from Peter King’s full Football Morning in America column, click here.
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