FRISCO, Texas –Dak Prescott and the Cowboys had little time to dwell on the franchise's worst margin of defeat in four seasons. The Thanksgiving week schedule simply doesn't allow it.
Monday was like a Wednesday, Tuesday was like a Thursday, and Wednesday will simulate a Friday/Saturday leading into a normal Sunday game. The L.A. Chargers will arrive at AT&T Stadium on Thursday, looking to hand Dallas its first three-game losing streak since December 2015.
Prescott has reviewed and filed away last Sunday's 37-9 loss to the Eagles in which he threw a career-high three interceptions and lost a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
Where can he improve Thursday against L.A.?
"I think me personally, I've just got to take some passes underneath and let guys run with the ball in their hands," he said. "The game goes back to two or three plays, and you can always say if we'd have done this or that on that play, it would be a different game.
"So for me, it's about continuing what we're doing and just get the ball out sometimes and trust a short route is going to get just as much as that deep ball down the field."
The second-year starter has acknowledged forcing the ball to Dez Bryant through double coverage from his own 18-yard line on third-and-17. Tight end Jason Witten was open over the middle, well short of the first down. But Eagles cornerback Ronald Darby's interception and return gave Philly the ball inside Cowboys territory and flipped field position, even though the turnover didn't result in points.
The Cowboys have managed only one offensive touchdown in their last two losses – Prescott's 11-yard run in the first quarter against the Falcons – and were shut out in the second half both games.
Left tackle Tyron Smith sat out both games with a groin strain. Getting him back Thursday would help stabilize the pocket for Prescott.
"The last couple of weeks as much as anything else we have been compromised a little in our protection," head coach Jason Garrett said. "We haven't been able to protect as well as we typically have. I thought (Sunday) night was better than last week (against Atlanta) but still a little bit limited there. We have to get better there. We have to do a better job protecting the quarterback and giving Dak a chance."
Prescott and the offense are confident they can turn things around, but they'll have to find success against a talented Chargers front that features two players in the top 10 in sacks: Joey Bosa (10.5) and Melvin Ingram (8.5)
"They might have the highest motor of anybody we've played between them two of consistently every play, not taking a play off," Prescott said. "No matter who's the runner or the passer, they can be disruptive."
