FRISCO, Texas – With three games remaining in the NFL season, the Cowboys' playoff hopes are essentially all but erased, a spot that multiple teams across the NFL are also in.
In other cities, teams have decided to sit some of their starting players, especially at the quarterback position for next season. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott does not, and will not do that, saying he "absolutely" wants to start the final three games of the season. Why?
"This is my job, this is what I love to do," Prescott said. "Sitting out last year and the times before, you don't take getting to play this game for granted. You play every game to win, you play every game to get a chance to go to the playoffs or play in the Super Bowl, and unfortunately that's not always the case."
"If that's not the case when we take the field or whatever it may be, I'm thankful for the opportunity to play this game and I'm not going to ever pass it up."
Just because Prescott is playing the rest of the way doesn't mean the 2025 season has been what he or his team has wanted. It especially hurt because of everything the team went through this season, from blockbuster trades to losing a teammate in Marshawn Kneeland.
"This one stings, for sure," Prescott said. "I haven't felt this since my second year in the league. It's a foreign feeling, but I'd say for sure it's motivating has hell, talking about all the changes that's happened through the season, the ups and the downs…"
"A lot went into this year, and it's unfortunate that we're not in a position to be looking forward to the playoffs right now. And I know not only me personally but for a lot of guys, this is a feeling that they'll carry into the offseason and we'll do our damnedest to make sure that this doesn't happen again."
Prescott believes that in the last three games, the Cowboys can build something that carries over into next season if they play at a high level and execute.
"It's all momentum," Prescott said. "At the end of the day, you've got guys that are coming back. Obviously, there's a lot of changes that have to happen or whatever it is with the roster, some things have to be addressed I guess you could say. But you know a good bit of these guys will be back, so it's about finishing with a good taste in your mouth and something to look forward to into next year."
In order to do that, the Cowboys will not only need to play some of their best football, but remain committed to the games in front of them and not look too far ahead to next season too early.
"We got to go out and control what we can control, and right now, that's our effort and that's trying to get a win," Prescott said. "We're professionals, and we've got a job to do at the highest level. This is NFL football, and we're all fortunate to get a chance to play this game, particularly with the teammates we have in this locker room. It won't be the same next year, so it's about going and enjoying every moment."
Their next challenge is the Los Angeles Chargers, the third team this season that Dallas has played with 10 or more wins at present. Jim Harbaugh's group is especially stout on defense, allowing the second-lowest total yards per game in the NFL. That stands out on film.
"First, I see a great pass rush, and it's usually where it starts, and that's not taking any credit away from the secondary guys, I'm sure that'd be their first answer," Prescott said. "Especialy with [DE Khalil Mack] and the rest of the guys up front, getting to the quarterback and making guys throw errant passes… that's where you see all different guys making plays on the ball. That's a team thing."
The Cowboys' offense is first in the league in total yards per game, setting up for an intriguing clash of two strong units Sunday afternoon.
