Dak Prescott Center Stage: Sincere Optimism Or Rhetoric
Hopes for Cowboy fans have been dampened after this past weekend's crushing defeat. Prescott, who seems to stay in the spotlight, had something to say about the matter and the way ahead.
Win Over Browns Set The Stage
An impressive opening win against the Cleveland Browns gave Dallas fans high hopes. Whatever was in the air on September 8, it seemed the Cowboys were drunk off it. Their defense ran like a well-oiled machine, and their offensive team was putting numbers on the board.
Dak Prescott: The Eternal Optimist
Post-Brown's game, Prescott commented that the offensive team left some meat on the bones. There was more that could have been done. For the fans, what mattered was that they took the win.
Things were looking good. Their level of gameplay was so promising that it began to raise questions. Will this be the year that the Cowboys redeem themselves? Was Prescott’s massive contractual extension all the catalyst that was needed?
The answer is no. It took one game to sober minds. As one journalist covering the Cowboys noted,
"If the first assessment made by the All-Pro quarterback [Prescott} is true, and it is, then what happened against the New Orleans Saints was boneless wings — barely nibbled."
This punctuates the rockiness of the Cowboy's start, underscoring they still have a long way to go. The loss didn’t seem to depress Prescott. The quarterback seemed even more optimistic.
Dak Prescott Calls Out Premature Praise
In remarks made after the Saints game, the quarterback reminded the public and fans that it's not over. He also added a bit of snark, while slightly reprimanding the press for inflating the news of the team's opening win.
“I mean, yeah, y’all may have put this team on a high more than we should have been.”
Is this not par for the course? When a team that struggles with cohesiveness comes out of the gate strong, shouldn't praise follow? Was this statement merely a means to downplay the loss?
When there is a lack of follow-through, it's easy to look for a scapegoat. It is easier to say success was over-hyped and expectations were too high. One could also proffer that if the Cowboy's second game was a win, the conversation might have slanted differently.
Season Verdict: Yet Unclear
In the Cowboy's defense, one game merely sets the tone. One game doesn’t determine the seasonal outcome. The verdict is still out.
With the first two games down, and a 1-1 record predicting in either direction is a tough call. It is not hard being a little pessimistic after the 44-19 loss against the Saints.
Prescott's Outlook
When one considers what the outlook would be if Prescott’s assurance were the ultimate measure, there would be little concern. Prescott's calm and repose, as he recently stood before the press, were admirable. He stood and spoke with full assurance of Dallas' comeback, noting the team's talent and the need for a “reset.”
That was not all the quarterback had to say. He also demonstrated a bit of humility. Prescott went on to acknowledge the skill the Saints demonstrated on the gridiron.
“That was a good team. Gotta give them credit.”
Prescott didn't stop there. The player went on to say that the way forward was about learning from their mistakes and responding.
That is a fact that few will deny. The way forward is always about learning from mistakes rather than replicating them. What else is it going to take for them to win games? This is what the fans want to know.
Cowboys' Struggles
There is little doubt that The Cowboys are talented. When they come together as a unified front, they get the job done. The proof is there. It's going to take something more. Strategically rising from the shadows of the past has nothing to do with confidence in the team's abilities.
Questions That Must Be Answered?
In what areas are they succeeding? Can they maintain continuity after the identification of the power points? Can they execute every game?
Fans understand that the Cowboys are going to face some teams that outmatch them in terms of synergy, strategy, coaching, or skill. On the other hand, fans do not anticipate complete annihilation, as demonstrated in the September 15 matchup, a setback resulting from poor execution because of squandered opportunities and defensive lapses at vital moments.
Walk It Like They Talk It
Given Prescott's glowing optimism, one wonders: Were Prescott’s sentiments sincere or simply rhetoric? Is Prescott singing for his supper given the enormity of pressure post-contract extension? There are no answers currently, only behaviors that raise more questions.
The Dallas Cowboys are, however, slated to meet the Ravens on September 22. Even then, the outcome may not be an accurate predictor. Given The Raven's current record of 0-2, will this face-off even provide the challenge necessary to prove what the Cowboys have learned? Viewers must tune in to find out.
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
MORE FROM STADIUM RANT:
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
Comentários