Dak Prescott delivered a solid performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season opener, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory. While many anticipated a lopsided loss for Dallas, the team demonstrated that it has the talent and depth to compete with the NFL’s elite. The next step will be to prove it once again when they face the New York Giants in Week 2, a matchup that appears favorable for Dallas to earn its first win of the year.
Mike McCarthy, who previously coached Prescott, once described him as a “fully operational” quarterback. However, McCarthy also acknowledged-albeit indirectly-that Prescott’s mobility might diminish as the years went by. Following Prescott’s massive $240 million contract extension, McCarthy emphasized that the play-calling would be adjusted to suit the quarterback’s evolving abilities.
Once he received a bigger contract, we tried to be more selective with that. I’m not sure what direction they’re going in the future here, but he’s full operational.
McCarthy stated at the time, highlighting that the responsibility for Prescott’s usage would eventually shift elsewhere.
Declining mobility highlights the aging process
Through the first seven games of the 2024 season, Prescott’s rushing production dropped significantly. He managed only 24 rushing yards during that stretch, a steep decline compared to the early years of his career. At the same time, he was sacked 18 times, underscoring how much less he was escaping pressure with his legs.
This trend suggested a deliberate shift by the Cowboys to keep their franchise quarterback inside the pocket. The strategy aimed to reduce the physical toll on Prescott and prevent further injuries, which had become a recurring issue in recent seasons and forced him to miss several games.
The hamstring injury that changed everything
Week 8 of the 2024 season brought a devastating setback. In a game against the Atlanta Falcons, Prescott broke free on a run for 34 yards, only to suffer a torn hamstring at the end of the play. The injury abruptly ended his season and raised serious concerns about his long-term durability.
That moment marked a turning point. It became clear that Prescott’s body could no longer withstand the same workload as before. The Cowboys‘ coaching staff recognized the need to restructure the offensive approach, focusing on minimizing his exposure to hits while preserving his effectiveness.
During this year’s offseason, Prescott dedicated himself to strengthening his legs and regaining mobility. His efforts paid off in the season opener, where he successfully avoided sacks and looked physically sharp. This was a promising sign for Dallas and its playoff hopes.
I felt slow on that one where I broke the tackle in the pocket, but other than that I felt healthy.”…”That was the main part of it, being able to run, whether it’s to get out of pressure, using my legs when I need to, and just be healthy throughout the game. A lot of work went into this, and we’ll continue to grow.
Prescott said.
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