Why Cowboys’ win over Eagles was a ‘huge’ step for Dak Prescott and Co., and what it means for Dallas’ ultimate goal

ARLINGTON, Texas — In a zero-sum sport in which the goal is obviously to win, the Dallas Cowboys achieved the goal Sunday night at AT&T Stadium with a 33-13 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Five weeks earlier, they had fallen short in a 28-23 loss at Philadelphia.

The accompanying emotions, then, should also be obvious.

Frustration after getting so close on so many plays only to fall short? Jubilation after a game in which they never trailed, passing the Eagles not only on the scoreboard but also — at least temporarily and tenuously — in the NFC East standings?

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott experienced neither.

His seemingly reverse emotions may be just what Dallas needs from their leader.

In the postgame locker room in Philadelphia, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy told his players that they had played well enough to win. Five weeks later, they achieved the result that their coach had believed possible. Prescott played well in both games, if via different formulas and with room for improvement both times.

But after a 24 of 39 (61.5%) day on which he passed for 271 yards and two touchdowns, Prescott was solemn.

“I’m my biggest critic,” Prescott said, noting a first-quarter series where he struggled through seven incompletions. “As I talk about my performance tonight, it was good enough to win, but I hold myself to super high standards. If I play my best game, we’re putting up 50 out there.

“I’m going to keep pushing for that.”

In the meantime, the Cowboys appear to have a group that can discover victories in myriad ways. Dallas outlasted the Seattle Seahawks last week despite the defense allowing 35 points; they bested the Eagles this week by pairing a good if inconsistent offense with superb kicking and a defense that did not allow a touchdown.

The variety of recipes en route to their 10th win encourages team owner Jerry Jones.

“I have to pinch myself right now to just realize we’ve won this game,” Jones said from the AT&T Stadium tunnel….


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Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2023-12-11 09:38:01

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