Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott made a daring prediction ahead of the team’s preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, suggesting that the two teams would meet in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Championship Game. This statement came during a meeting with Rams owner Stan Kroenke just before the Rams’ 31-21 victory at SoFi Stadium.
The NFC Championship Game is scheduled for January 25, with kickoff times either at 3 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. ET. If Prescott’s prediction holds true, the matchup will take place either at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles or AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the home of the Cowboys.
Context Behind Prescott’s Confident Statement to Stan Kroenke
Prescott shared his bold forecast while accompanied by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and Rams owner Stan Kroenke. His declaration,
“We’ll meet y’all in the NFC championship game,”
was directed toward Kroenke, indicating his confidence in Dallas reaching that stage.
The Rams have been consistent playoff contenders, qualifying in six of the past eight seasons since relocating from St. Louis. Their recent successes include two Super Bowl appearances and a victory in Super Bowl LVI over the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium in 2022. They also pushed the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles to a close 28-22 game in the divisional playoffs last year.
While the Rams’ presence in the NFC Championship Game seems expected, Prescott’s assertion reflects his belief that the Cowboys can rise to contend for the conference title. The Cowboys have not secured an NFC title since 1996 and have not appeared in the NFC Championship Game since their 38-27 postseason win against the Green Bay Packers on January 14 of that year.
Dallas Cowboys’ Playoff Performance and Challenges
Although the Cowboys finished with a 7-10 record last season, they have made playoff appearances in three of the last four years. Turning their regular-season struggles into a playoff berth is possible, given the NFL’s history of teams advancing into postseason contention surprising many.
However, Dallas has struggled historically in later playoff rounds, having lost all seven of their divisional-round games since 1996. Additionally, the team has not managed to win multiple playoff games in a single season since that year, highlighting the challenge Prescott’s prediction presents.
Prescott himself has faced playoff difficulties, owning a 2-5 record across seven career postseason games. This includes a notable 30-22 loss to the Rams at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 12, 2019, emphasizing the rivalry’s intensity and the weight of his recent statement.
Rams’ Preparation Amidst Preseason Adjustments
The Los Angeles Rams were scheduled to hold joint practices with the intracity rival Los Angeles Chargers during the weekend, but these sessions were canceled due to a high number of injuries on the Chargers’ side. Instead, the Rams now look to secure a 2-0 preseason record when they face the Chargers in a home game at SoFi Stadium on Saturday, marking the Chargers’ third preseason matchup.
The Chargers have started their preseason strongly with two wins over the Detroit Lions and New Orleans Saints. However, their star quarterback Justin Herbert has yet to participate in live snaps, and it remains uncertain if he or any other first-team offensive players will take the field during Saturday’s game.
Meanwhile, the Rams appear unlikely to play starting quarterback Matthew Stafford, despite Stafford’s significant progress during his pregame workout before the preseason game against the Cowboys. This cautious approach indicates the Rams are managing key players carefully as the regular season approaches.
Significance of Prescott’s Prediction for the NFC Outlook
Dak Prescott’s forecast carries substantial weight, considering both teams’ recent performances and historical challenges. The Rams’ established playoff pedigree contrasts with the Cowboys’ quest to regain NFC dominance after decades. Should Prescott’s prediction come true, it would mark a major milestone for Dallas, ending a long NFC title drought.
The prediction also highlights the intense rivalry and competitive spirit between these franchises, setting the stage for potentially high-stakes postseason drama. Fans and analysts will closely watch how both teams develop throughout the season as they aim for that NFC Championship clash.