FRISCO, Texas – Two seasons ago, the Cowboys lost quarterback Dak Prescott to a broken thumb just one game into the regular season.
What happened next was a shock to the entire NFL as the Cowboys leaned on a Micah Parsons-led defense that ignited a five-game winning streak as the team rallied around Cooper Rush to pick up the slack for the offense.
Could the roles be reversed now here in 2024? The Cowboys certainly hope so as they get ready to play the Steelers on Sunday night without Parsons, who will miss his first game of his career due to injury. But that's not all, as DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) this week was moved to IR, where All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland still stands as he nears a return.
And then on offense, Brandin Cooks is out this week after suffering an infection in his knee .
Just like a team that came together to overcome adversity in 2022, could they perhaps do the same on the opposite end this time around?
If so, the Cowboys are going to need to rally around their two offensive stars – Dak and CeeDee Lamb, who both signed mega-deals in the last two months for a combined $94 million in annual contracts.
Prescott said he understands the added pressure on the offense and himself, but when asked if he'll try to be "Superman" and take over, Dak said there's always that standard to try and make the big play, without getting out of his comfort zone.
"I don't break the huddle and say I've got to go be Superman here," Dak explained. "But I've been able to break some tackles. I've been able to do some things that have help us out. As I said, use my feet more, make the throws and so I don't think it's anything outside of my game that I've got to try to do."
Dak said he's hoping his teammates take the same approach as pushing themselves to their own max potential.
"Just being my best. And I think if I do that and guys are detailed and they do the exact same, take the same approach and being at their best and we're able to put that out there. I'm not worried about the results and how we're going to play out."
Through four games, Prescott said he believes he's playing just "solid football" but knows he can and will improve.
"I think if you broke down all four games, there's a play or two, a couple of plays where I want back and I could this or that," Prescott said. "But I can tell you … my best is damn sure … I'm on the brink of it. I feel like I'm stepping into that. So in these four games, I would say 'solid, good ball.' But I can play better. But I'm always going to tell you that. I can go throw 500 yards and no incompletions and I'm going to tell you I can play better."
With so many superstars expected to miss this week's game, this would seem like the perfect week for Dak and his healthy teammates to be at their best.
