Dak Prescott doesn't wear NFC East champs hat: 'I want something better'
By adding four touchdowns more to the tally, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott finished the season at the top of the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36. He also ended the year ranked second in passer rating and success rate, while remaining in the Top 5 in several other stats like yards and adjusted air […]
By adding four touchdowns more to the tally, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott finished the season at the top of the NFL in passing touchdowns with 36.
He also ended the year ranked second in passer rating and success rate, while remaining in the Top 5 in several other stats like yards and adjusted air yards per pass attempt, among others. He's legitimately been one of the best quarterbacks in the league this year.
All of it means nothing for Prescott though, who is now headed to his fifth playoff tournament in his career. For the third time, he'll be playing at home to start the postseason. At this point, he just knows how quickly the memory of a division title can fade and how easily it can be wiped away with a playoff loss.
When Prescott took the podium to talk to reporters after the 38-10 win, he wasn't wearing the NFC East champions hat that Mike McCarthy, CeeDee Lamb, Micah Parsons, and many others boasted after the 12th victory of the year. Naturally, he was asked about the meaning of such a decision.
"No, I wouldn't say I'm trying to send a message, this hat is warmer," Dak told reporters postgame with a laugh. "Won it before, obviously it's a huge accomplishment for myself, for this team, for this organization, don't get me wrong by any means. But focus is ahead."
Inadvertently, Prescott sent a message that perfectly fits where Dallas is at right now. This is their third consecutive season with 12 wins on the standings. In previous years, the team has failed to make it to the NFC Championship Game. The Cowboys and the leaders within the team all want to graduate to the next level.
"Something for the family but I'm good, I want something better," Prescott added.
The Cowboys will play the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round of the postseason, a team with a struggling defense that could be a favorable match-up for Dallas. But this is the NFL playoffs. It's the league within the league. Nothing is a sure thing. And Prescott knows it.
"Will enjoy the play ride, will enjoy the night," Prescott said. "Starting early in the morning, the page is turned and we're ready."
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The tournament has started.
