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Sunday night could be the defining moment of Dak Prescott’s young NFL career
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Is Sunday night’s contest against Tampa Bay the biggest game in Dak Prescott’s career?
The former fourth-round selection has taken the NFL by storm with his play in 2016. He’s led the Dallas Cowboys to an 11-2 overall record — whilst giving the franchise something it hasn’t had in quite sometime: A stabilizer.
Prescott is a mature individual. His leadership capabilities have helped to provide structure for what’s been a very volatile locker room. On the field, the Mississippi State product has thrown for 3,139 yards and 20 touchdowns. Prescott has thrown only four interceptions — and is completing passes at a 65.8-percent clip.
When looking strictly from a statistical standpoint, everything appears to be great. Dallas has found its quarterback (and running back) of the future, the team is in first place in its division, and the Cowboys appear primed to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
With that said, there’s another set of narratives which aren’t so positive.
The New York Giants (10-4) have started to put considerable pressure on the Cowboys. Winners of their last two — and eight of their last nine — it appears as if they’re a viable threat to win the entire NFC.
Additionally, the Giants are the only team to have beaten the Cowboys this season. They won the season-opening game on the road, and beat Dallas last week at home. Should the two teams end with an identical record, New York would hold the tiebreaker.
As for Sunday, Dallas will welcome a very dangerous Tampa Bay team into AT&T Stadium. The Buccaneers (8-5) have won five in a row — including victories over Seattle and Kansas City. QB Jameis Winston has been playing at a very high level, and the defense is littered with terrific talent.
It will not be a cakewalk in the slightest for Jason Garrett’s team. Winston won’t in any way be bothered by the bright lights of Sunday Night Football. Tampa Bay is also gaining on Atlanta for the top spot in the NFC South. This is an exceptionally important game for the Bucs.
Lastly, there’s the Tony Romo factor.
Romo has been entrenched as Dallas’s starting signal-caller for nearly a decade. He’s a personal favorite of Owner Jerry Jones, and is now fully healthy.
While he’s undoubtedly injury-prone, Romo has been to four Pro Bowls — and has featured in the playoffs. Prescott has done more than enough to hold onto his starting spot. With that said, Romo is still lurking in the background.
If Dallas loses on Sunday night, will Prescott be lifted in favor of the veteran?
For all of these reasons, this contest will be (up to this point) the most significant in Prescott’s career.
