Dak Prescott stands alone atop Cowboys history in this area
For the better part of 66 years, the Dallas Cowboys and their quarterback have been the NFL equivalent of asking who is playing shortstop for the Yankees. It’s a position steeped in history, success and prestige. Many have taken snaps but few have reached heights like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, or statistical dominance like Tony Romo.
Now Dak Prescott has become the quarterback whose name sits atop one of the most important records in Cowboys history. And he did it while putting together one of his best individual games in recent memory.
Tony Romo previously sat atop the Cowboys’ record books in this one particular area. His last touchdown pass came in 2016. It took Romo 10 years to amass 248 passing touchdowns. Then came Prescott.
On Sunday, nearly 10 years after Prescott unexpectedly became the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, he passed Romo. Prescott’s 24-yard touchdown pass to CeeDee Lamb in the fourth quarter of Dallas’ 37-20 victory over Washington gave him 249 career touchdown passes, moving him into first place in franchise history.
It was a fitting way for Prescott to break the record. Playing like a quarterback at the top of his game, zipping a pass to his receiver, who had coverage draped all over him, in the end zone. Prescott finished 26-of-31 for 279 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 143.8 passer rating. The efficiency was particularly impressive.
Jake Ferguson caught two touchdown passes. Lamb caught two more, including the one that put Prescott alone atop the Cowboys’ record book. George Pickens made several important catches of his own, including some tough grabs in traffic. It was the kind of performance Dallas needed from its quarterback after an ugly opening week. More importantly, it looked like the offense Dallas expected to have when the season began.
That said, records can be funny. A quarterback can accumulate statistics simply because he plays for a long time. That’s part of the equation. Prescott has now played 141 regular-season games for Dallas, compared with the 156 Romo played. Prescott’s 249 touchdown passes have come in fewer games.
The crazy thing is longevity doesn’t happen by accident. What’s that old saying? Prescott has survived many different versions of the Cowboys. He’s played under multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators. He’s played through injuries. He’s gone from a fourth-round rookie who unexpectedly took over for Romo to the unquestioned leader and face of the franchise.
And now his name sits above Romo’s in the Cowboys’ record book. That’s worth appreciating without pretending it settles every argument about Prescott’s career. Because it doesn’t, but we don’t have to argue about the playoffs today.
The Cowboys have had plenty of quarterbacks who have thrown important passes. Only one has thrown more touchdown passes than anyone else in franchise history. Dak Prescott is that quarterback now.
Post a Comment