Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, the highest-paid NFL player following a massive contract extension last season, is returning fully healthy in September after an early-season-ending injury in 2024. Prescott’s postseason performance remains a focal point of scrutiny as the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, especially amid his bold prediction of facing the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Conference game come January.
Prescott made headlines during a preseason encounter by confidently telling Rams owner Stan Kroenke that the two teams would meet in the playoffs, signaling his belief in Dallas reaching deep into the postseason. This statement implies the Cowboys aim either to earn the top seed and advance straight to the divisional round or to win consecutive playoff games to reach the conference championship, a feat they haven’t accomplished in thirty years.
Stephen A. Smith Highlights Prescott’s Postseason Shortcomings Amid Rising Expectations
Stephen A. Smith, an outspoken analyst for ESPN’s First Take, reacted sharply to Prescott’s playoff forecast, highlighting his poor postseason record. According to Smith, Prescott’s playoff success is disappointing compared to his salary status, citing that Dak has claimed headlines and big paychecks but has failed to convert that into meaningful playoff victories. This ongoing narrative reflects frustration among critics and fans, particularly given the competitive landscape of the NFC East, where rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders are emerging as strong Super Bowl contenders.
Smith introduced a new career metric illustrating the earnings Prescott has accumulated per playoff win, underscoring the disparity between money earned and postseason achievements. Smith stated,
You look at Patrick Mahomes, right? He’s got 17 playoff wins. Do you know that his average is around $10.7 million per playoff? Prescott is No. 3, probably all time. I mean, Kirk Cousins and Deshaun Watson are ahead of him, but Prescott is third, averaging $124.3 million for two playoff wins… So he makes sure he gets his money. He makes sure he gets the headlines… He just makes sure to do everything but win the second it turns into the postseason. It’s what he does.
—Stephen A. Smith, ESPN Analyst
This pointed critique was further reflected in a popular social media post quoting Smith’s statement:
“He just makes sure to do everything but win the second it turns into the postseason.”
Cowboys’ Offseason Challenges and Hopes for a Better Trajectory
As the Cowboys enter the 2025 season, they face not only the challenge of overcoming Prescott’s postseason narrative but also potential internal issues, notably around linebacker Micah Parsons. The team’s hopes for improved playoff success hinge on Parsons remaining with the team, the new leadership from head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the addition of wide receiver George Pickens. These factors collectively are seen as critical to Dallas shifting their postseason fortunes.
Dak Prescott’s Historic Playoff Patterns Trace Back to College Career
Prescott’s struggles to reach the ultimate postseason milestone are not new, and they have roots going back to his college days at Mississippi State. Over 49 games, Prescott set multiple records for completions, attempts, and passing yards and led the Bulldogs to several program-first achievements. Notably, he helped guide Mississippi State to its inaugural No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff standings and secured a spot in the Orange Bowl, only the team’s second major bowl appearance.
Despite these breakthroughs, fundamental postseason success eluded Prescott. The Bulldogs fell to Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl, and while the accomplishment was historic, it underscored a pattern: coming close, but falling short of championship glory. This narrative has carried over into Prescott’s NFL career, where he has shown flashes of elite talent, including a season where he was a finalist for NFL MVP.
Yet, both in college and the pros, Prescott’s teams frequently have stalled just short of championship territory, continuing the story of the elusive final step in his athletic journey.