The 2019 Dallas Cowboys have been interesting, to say the least. One week they look like world-beaters, and the next they’re losing to the 1-5 Jets. At the center of all this madness is, of course, Jason Garrett, a head coach who’s been on the hot seat since 2009. Also, just alongside Garrett, is fourth-year quarterback Dak Prescott. In weeks 1-3, albeit against three teams with a combined 3-17 record, he was 70-94 for 820 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions. The following three weeks were a different story. Dallas played two teams that are contenders in the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers, and one bad team in the New York Jets. Prescott underperformed in all three games including a three-interception game against the Packers.
These three performances bring us to this past Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys came out rejuvenated and looked like the team we all saw in weeks 1-3. Carson Wentz was pressured all night long, and he showed it. On the first drive, Dallas Goedert fumbled. Dallas then scored on a 20-yard option play from Prescott to Tavon Austin. The Eagles second drive ended similarly when Demarcus Lawrence strip-sacked Wentz, which led to an Ezekiel Elliott touchdown run. The Eagles found themselves in a familiar position, while the Cowboys had their swagger back. They imposed their will on the ground and in the air. While Zeke shredded the Eagles front seven, Dak and Amari Cooper shredded the Eagles paper-thin secondary.
Prescott shredded the Eagles to the tune of 21-27 for 239 yards, one touchdown, one interception, a rushing touchdown, and a 100.5 quarterback rating to boot. His main target, Cooper, again made a slew of Eagles defenders pay. He hauled in five catches for 106 yards and averages 6/108/1 against NFC East foes. His longest catch of 44 yards came on a nasty double move against Rasul Douglas, who seems to be the recipient of most of Cooper’s highlights. Cooper is proving he is well worth the first-round pick, as the Cowboys are undefeated against NFC East opponents since.
What Gives?
Dallas is naturally always in the spotlight, so one can imagine the heat they took on the skid. Experts suddenly calling for Garrett’s job is commonplace since he runs the Cowboys. Experts called for his job and the Cowboys to hang it up, but winning against Philadelphia gives new life. Last Monday, Doug Pederson said, “we’re going down to Dallas, and we’re gonna win that football game, and when we do, we’re in first place in the NFC East.” Philadelphia then laid an egg, losing 37-10 and amplifying their problems. Sunday Night Football aired a graphic that said 4-3 teams make the playoffs 53 percent of the time, 3-4 are just 14 percent. Needless to say, Dallas is 4-3 and the Eagles are 3-4.
What Lies Ahead?
Dallas is on bye during Week 8, while Philadelphia goes on the road to face the 5-1 Buffalo Bills. For Dallas, they have a little easier time with opponents than Philadelphia, as they face the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions. The Eagles will face the Bills, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Patriots. Dallas will ultimately be the favorite to be in the division lead after those three games, but it’s anyone’s division at the moment.
All stats were gathered through http://Nfl.com/player/dakprescott/2555260/gamelogs
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/linker/
