FRISCO, Texas – Scott Linehan doesn't typically like to dole out specifics, but he'll make an exception in the case of Dak Prescott.
As Prescott prepares to play in his first playoff game, the Cowboys' offensive coordinator was asked about the rookie quarterback's development over the course of the season. There are plenty of moments to choose from among Prescott's Pro Bowl campaign – but Linehan mentioned one specifically.
"I look back on the first Philadelphia game. It wasn't perfect, but just being able to finish the way we did in the game," he said. "I remember the discussion with Dak after the game, I said 'That was a real pro football game, right there.'"
It feels like a lifetime ago, but the start of that Sunday Night Football game was a rough one for the rookie quarterback. The Cowboys went to halftime trailing the Eagles, 13-10, after a Prescott interception set up a Philadelphia scoring drive.
Typically capable of hot starts, Prescott went to the break having completed just 5-of-13 passes for 118 yards and an interception.
It's safe to say he turned things around, though. He went 14-of-26 for 169 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. More importantly, he didn't turn the ball over again.
That success allowed the Cowboys to overcome a 10-point fourth quarter deficit and force overtime. Once they got there, Prescott led them on a 12-play, 75-yard scoring drive to win the game – completing 5-of-5 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown along the way.
Reconsider all of that, and it's no surprise the game stands out in Linehan's memory.
"To be able to play your best when your best was needed, that's a good sign," he said. "If you're going to point to a game, I would point to that one."
