The Dallas Cowboys’ season, just six games in, has been full of ups and downs.
A week after pulling off a dramatic win on the road, the Cowboys suffered one of the worst losses in AT&T Stadium’s 15-year history, falling to the Detroit Lions.
How bad was it? Detroit scored on their first nine possessions. The Cowboys’ defense allowed 47 points, lucky to hold the Lions to some field goals. Without the Lions’ second-half trick plays, Detroit could have scored over 50.
Despite the defense missing six starters, Dallas’ offense was almost at full strength. Prescott struggled, as the Lions blitzed repeatedly after taking a big lead, while the Cowboys’ offensive line failed to respond.
It was obvious to viewers that Prescott needs more support, reminiscent of 2018 when the team traded for Amari Cooper while struggling. When asked if Dallas needed a similar trade, Prescott gave a candid response.
Cowboys’ Dak Prescott isn’t holding his breath for a trade before the deadline.
“We were 3-5 before we got rolling [in 2018],” said Prescott, per ESPN’s Todd Archer. “Don’t expect to be 3-5 with this team, though. That’s on the front office. I trust the guys in the locker room. You see Jalen Tolbert improving. We’ll get Brandin Cooks back soon… My job is to push the guys to understand their roles and improve.”
Prescott’s response was diplomatic. Calling for a big trade wouldn’t send the right message to a locker room likely lacking confidence. Few players would handle it as gracefully, but Prescott’s leadership shows in moments like this.
Still, it’s clear Prescott needs more help. While Detroit’s Jared Goff had open receivers, Prescott threw into tight windows all game. That’s been a theme this season. CeeDee Lamb had seven catches for 89 yards but was targeted 14 times, including on Prescott’s red zone interception.
Prescott’s receivers struggled to get separation, in stark contrast to Goff’s easy throws. This reflects poorly on head coach Mike McCarthy as a play-caller. After adding motion to his offense last week, McCarthy abandoned it against Detroit.
If McCarthy won’t adapt, the Cowboys need receivers who can create separation for Prescott. Jalen Tolbert is improving, but most of his catches are contested due to limited separation. There’s even an argument that KaVontae Turpin should play over Cooks.
Though Prescott has faith in the current roster, a trade like the 2018 move for Cooper might be necessary. Ironically, Cooper is available, but this front office has long shown that winning isn’t their top priority.
