Dak Prescott’s Dallas Cowboys: ‘Pissed-Off’ Mood & Injury Update
On the Monday after a resounding win, the Dallas Cowboys represent a compelling mix of “elated,” “relieved” and “pissed-off.”
The positive stuff? I'm trying to remember an opponent of the Cowboys who was as non-competitive as the New England Patriots were Sunday and no one is coming to mind. That Giants dud on opening night wasn't this bad but the Cowboys will take it after last week's disenchanting defeat in Arizona.
Zack, Dak & Jerry
In handing Bill Belichick the worst loss of his legendary career, Dallas in its 38-3 win avoided the horrid things that would have invaded the locker room by back-to-back losses to the so-so Cardinals and lowly Pats with two straight road games before the bye week. Instead, Dallas can feel good about itself with a strong home showing and nice bounce-back from the debacle in Arizona.
Also good news: A Monday injury update from Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on running back Rico Dowdle (hip) and guard Zack Martin (ankle and quad). ...
“They’re both going to be in the rehab group Wednesday,'' McCarthy said. "They both definitely have a chance to play” on Sunday night at the 49ers.
Micah Parsons had his knee and ankle evaluated during the game but re-entered. McCarthy called it "not of high concern,'' though Parsons could be limited on Wednesday.
McCarthy also said Tyron Smith (knee), who sat out again on Sunday, is “doing much better.”
So, what is there to be "pissed-off'' about? It's all good, right? Dak Prescott can get through the week without hearing that he should be allowed to leave via free agency after the 2024 season despite the cap hit. He won't hear about interceptions, either. … At least this week.
An obviously frustrated Dak suggested last Sunday that the media would be happy he threw a late-game pick thereby adding to the narrative about his accuracy. He's wrong; I don't know too many who are happy about what happened in Arizona. And the Cowboys fans I know are happy about 38-3.
But Dak is developing a chip on his shoulder with the media, playfully using the phrase "pissed-off'' last Thursday before the game (he goofed around about ranking his different levels of what he called "my pissed-off-ness'' ... and then spitting it out with some post-game fire on Sunday night.
Asked to reflect on the feeling from last season after a second straight playoff loss to the 49ers, Prescott paused ... and then glared.
“It’s obvious,'' he retorted. :You just want to piss me off going into this week, and I appreciate that. I do actually. I do. I appreciate that. I appreciate that.”
Is that going to create good vibes in Cali? We know what bad vibes in the room can so: set the tone for a bad year. But now? Dallas is 3-1. Everybody associated with the Cowboys went home happy and relieved after the 38-3 win. Dak is good again. The defense is top-five again. Mike McCarthy is a good play-caller again. And Dak is "pissed-off'' in what he suggests is a good way. ...All at least until Sunday night.
