“Much different,” Dak Prescott claims his preseason absence has given him strategic edge for the season opener as the ugly interceptions record of 2022 glooms over
Prescott talks about not playing in preseason games has helped him think more about the Giants matchup on week 1.
Dak Prescott, in recent times, has taken a lot of stick from fans and analysts alike. Sometimes that gets blown out of proportion because he plays for ‘America’s Team,’ the Dallas Cowboys. The 30-year-old is looking forward to facing the New York Giants and revealed that not playing in the preseason helped him devise strategies.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said the preparation to face the Giants will begin a week before the game. So not playing the friendly matches allowed some leverage for Prescott.
“Not playing in the preseason allowed me to move forward and watch some of their past games,” the multiple-time Pro Bowler said. “When you’ve got the time, you’ve got to use it.”
Jerry Jones‘ side lost both of their preseason games, but there were several positives to note. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush played really well. Their defenders and pass rushers were on song, especially Deuce Vaughn. He predicts the season will be “much different” compared to last year.
“I feel great about where we are,” said Prescott, as per the team’s website. “We’re in a much better place right now than we were at this time last year. It’s about making sure we’re crossing our T’s and dotting our I’s.” (H/T: Dallascowboys.com)
Dak Prescott when asked if there is extra pressure on this Cowboys team because the Super Bowl drought has been so long: “At the end of the day, the pressure is what you put on yourself. I think at the end of the day we gotta understand that our standard is win. It’s simple as…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota)
August 24, 2023
Well, the Cowboys nation does not have a fond memory of their last season’s opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their team took a 19-3 hammering as their offensive line failed to shut out Mike Evans. Moreover, they were dealt a massive blow when Prescott suffered a hand injury that kept him out for five weeks.
Can an injury-free Dak Prescott take the Dallas Cowboys to NFC glory?
Prescott remaining injury-free will play a big part in the Cowboys’ season (Image via ESPN)
One of the main reasons the Cowboys get a lot of criticism is their inability to win a championship game despite being the most profitable sports organization in the world. They completed back-to-back seasons with a 12-5 record but crashed out in the playoffs.
Prescott getting injured played a big factor, but his 15 interceptions dampened the mood even more. However, he has vowed to throw no more than 10 in 2023. His confidence might rub off on his teammates as they prepare for their NFC East opener against rivals the New York Giants.
Daniel Jones has never beaten Dak Prescott or Cooper Rush #DallasCowboys #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/y5kp9SBFzZ
— Ernie The Cowboys Fan (@es3_09) August 21, 2023
As per NFL odds, they are a 3.5-point road favorite against the Giants. The Cowboys have been the better side as of late against them, with an overall series lead of 73-46-2.
However, lifting the NFC Championship title looks bleak. The favorites are undeniably the Philadelphia Eagles, alongside the San Francisco 49ers, with the Cowboys placed third.
