Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys were just not the same team that defeated the Philadelphia Eagles on Thanksgiving for their seventh win, as they left on the short end of a 44-19 decision to the New Orleans Saints. Prescott did his best, although the effort included two timely interceptions and other gaffes, such as when his pass intended for CeeDee Lamb was intercepted by Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu. Although Dallas compiled a solid 400-yard game and Dak Prescott tossed a memorable touchdown pass to Lamb, the miscues would highlight areas that must improve. The game presented quite the challenge but also underscored a much-needed adjustment, or two.
Impact of the Interceptions
Presumably, the toughest play for Prescott was Mathieu’s second interception, which he turned in with a couple of steps back for a possible safety. He read Dak Prescott’s intention perfectly and positioned himself just so. Prescott admitted that he could have done more to avoid it, saying Mathieu made the best play possible. That’s on me, he said, showing his self-awareness and understanding. Such moments were pivotal in an overall game that failed in defense and prevailed due to offense; inevitably, though, execution will have to improve coming out of this one.
Despite the picks, Dak Prescott had some nice moments. His 65-yard touchdown throw to Lamb was the play of the game. It showed how Prescott can deliver the ball accurately to his No. 1 guy in those big situations. However, although it was a great play, Lamb had an excellent opportunity to make that first big speed play of the game after the catch. But so long, though, the offense did not execute too smoothly on offense overall, and the defense did not produce well enough for its own good. That means the Cowboys have work to do on both sides of the ball.
Dak Prescott, Lamb: Communication Struggles
And Dak Prescott and Lamb’s relationship, while sometimes very good, there was plenty of evidence during the game that they are still having their share of miscommunication. The one such early missed opportunity came when a throw to Lamb went amiss; it was evidence of something still wrong between the quarterback and his star receiver. On this, Prescott accepted that miscommunication is indeed a factor and emphasized the need to harmonize better. That is a theme—or that is one theme—coming through from games past and with imperative improvement as we move forward into the next season.
The Cowboys biggest thing they struggled with in the game was red zone opportunities. While they had the chances, those weren’t very fruitful in terms of touchdowns but instead field goals. Inefficiency that is easy for points translates into the difference between losing and possibly winning the game. Prescott’s comments summed up a need to mend such failings. Those in the red zone need to produce touchdowns, therefore, which will be what mends close games into wins and the offense performing at its best.
Conclusion
Dak Prescott’s self-diagnosis on what went wrong between the Cowboys and the Saints may serve as an example of his becoming more aware of having a brighter future. Mistakes made in this game, especially throwing interceptions and not making plays when in the red zone, really show what has to be improved. Moments of his that are encouraging, though, like connecting with CeeDee Lamb, bode for the better. Now that miscommunication is addressed and their approach fine-tuned, the Cowboys really have a good chance of salvaging their season.
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