At the risk of sounding like an alarmist, a loss by the Cowboys on Sunday would truly signal a possible in-season firing of Jason Garrett. This prospect might excite part of the Cowboys’ fan base, but losing to the New York Jets would require the ultimate collapse.
I’m not saying this team isn’t capable of that, but it seems highly unlikely. Garrett’s fate will probably be decided in the playoffs, if things go as planned. The actual headliner for the Cowboys is quarterback Dak Prescott. He’s always played more of a supporting role to Zeke Elliott, which has suited him fine. But after two straight lackluster efforts, the pressure is starting to mount.
Jerry Jones told his radio audience Tuesday that Prescott’s contract value wasn’t rising or falling based on recent performances. But if Prescott keeps throwing it to the other team, Jones would be foolish not to be looking for a discount. Prescott has said all the right things this week. He doesn’t sound like a player who’s doubting himself.
“I mean it’s football,’’ Prescott told reporters. “It’s a game of inches. Sometimes, a tip here or that there can create that.
“For me, it’s not about changing anything that I’ve done. I like where I’m at mentally, physically. I’ve said that and will continue to say that, so just do a better job at it. But I’m not changing the way I play this game.’’
Well, there you go. That’s as John Wayne as it gets for an NFL quarterback. Coming off five interceptions in two games, Prescott is saying he’s not changing for anyone. And I sort of like the confidence, until he throws three more picks and loses to the Jets. Then Dak starts to lose leverage in this negotiation. But I understand no one really wants to address such a thorny topic.
This week, our local media presented Prescott’s season totals with little mention that he’d feasted on horrible opponents and then put up a big day against the Packers after the game had been decided. I’m a Dak guy from the Starkville days, but I don’t see any reason to treat him with kid gloves. The man and his representatives believe he’s worth $35 million per season, so let’s try to measure him by that standard. The stats may say one thing, but anyone who believes Prescott is playing at an elite level is simply not watching the games.
Jerry would love nothing more than to make Prescott the richest quarterback in the league. If that happens, it means the Cowboys likely made their first Super Bowl appearance in 24 years. And even though the Packers whipped the Cowboys, it’s not like there’s a dominant force in the NFC. If the Eagles lose Sunday, the Cowboys will have the upper hand in the NFC East heading into the teams’ first meeting.
I like that Prescott is letting it rip to a certain extent, but he can’t forget that his lack of turnovers is what’s defined him early in his career. The Cowboys will likely try to lean on Zeke Elliott against the Jets. This team functions best when Elliott is wearing down opposing defenses. But Prescott will need to throw it downfield at some point. And the Jets have a couple of cornerbacks who have been yielding plenty of yards. This offense needs to re-establish itself after shaky outings against the Saints and Packers. If the Cowboys win Sunday by two touchdowns, things will settle down and the hype train will be back on the tracks.
A loss in New Jersey means Garrett could be gone in November, and Jerry Jones could get a deep discount on a franchise quarterback. Other than that, it’s a pretty ho-hum week.