After a devastating 44-19 defeat, Prescott promises the team will come back stronger
Dak Prescott is no stranger to tough questions, but after Sunday’s crushing 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Dallas Cowboys’ quarterback had to face reality. The Week 2 game wasn’t just another match—it was a wake-up call. The Saints, fresh off a 47-10 win over the Panthers, handed Dallas its first loss of the 2024 NFL season, prompting doubts about whether the Cowboys can be true contenders this year.
Prescott, who struggled throughout, completed 27 of 39 passes for 293 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Despite the tough game, he avoided blaming others, maintaining a calm message. “We’ll learn from this,” Prescott said afterward. “It’s the NFL. Sometimes you get knocked down, but it’s about how you get up.”
The game was essentially over by halftime, with the Cowboys trailing 35-16. The Saints continued to dominate, extending their strong form for another week. Frustrated but determined, Prescott praised the Saints but was certain Dallas would recover. “We know who we are and what we’re capable of. This doesn’t define us. We’ll make the necessary adjustments,” he added.
Dak Prescott said he’s confident that the Cowboys will bounce back from this loss. “We’re gonna learn from it. That was a good team. Gotta give them credit. This is the NFL. … It’s about trusting the process and responding. I know we have the guys to do that. Honestly excited to… pic.twitter.com/NdDZz2BoQz
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) September 15, 2024
However, Prescott’s mistakes were costly, including two interceptions, one of which was just before halftime and shifted momentum further in New Orleans’ favor. Saints’ cornerback Paulson Adibo intercepted a bad throw and returned it deep into Cowboys’ territory, leading to another touchdown, increasing the Saints’ lead to 35-13. It was a momentum killer.
Tom Brady, now a broadcaster, defended Prescott’s interception, blaming the receiver for slipping at a critical moment. “You hate to see that,” Brady commented during the broadcast. “Dak trusted his receiver, but things happen. It’s football, and it’s frustrating, but that wasn’t on him.”
Cowboys’ offense and defense struggle, but Prescott stays positive
Despite Brady’s defense, the Cowboys’ offensive struggles were clear. After a solid Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, many expected Dallas to carry that momentum into Week 2. Instead, they looked out of sync and overwhelmed against a Saints team not seen as NFC favorites.
The Cowboys’ defense also had its issues, allowing the Saints to score 40 points for the second week in a row. Missed tackles, blown coverages, and lack of pressure on Saints quarterback Derek Carr made for a long night. Dallas’ defense was supposed to be a strength, but on Sunday, it was anything but.
Prescott, staying the leader, accepted responsibility for the loss but emphasized that this game wouldn’t define the Cowboys’ season. “This is just a bump in the road,” Prescott said confidently. “We’ve got a lot of football left. The season doesn’t end after two games, and we’ll prove that.”
