Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott urges urgency; run game must improve
FRISCO, Texas — Dak Prescott said Oct. 23 that the 2-4 Dallas Cowboys must adopt an urgent mindset to start stacking wins and that reviving the run game is the best way to spark an offense that has sputtered in consecutive losses. Prescott made the comments as the club prepared for Monday Night Football, reflecting on back-to-back defeats to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. He said the team can only rely on the refrain that there are still games left for so long and that it is time to convert opportunities into victories.
Prescott pointed to specific offensive shortcomings that have left Dallas scoring just 29 points combined over the last two games and ranked 31st in rushing at 76 yards per game. He said adjustments to handling heavy blitz packages are ‘‘simple fixes’’ that include better communication of protections and moving the pocket when necessary. Prescott credited the offensive line with taking ownership of the running-game issues and cited backs Javonte Williams and Tyler Goodson as players who want to be more involved.
He emphasized how re-establishing the run would open play-action opportunities and produce more explosive plays, saying he could ‘‘guarantee you more than half of those were run action type plays’’ when discussing the source of big gains. Prescott also singled out wide receiver George Pickens as someone who needs more touches earlier in games, calling him infectious to the team when he makes plays. On defense, Prescott noted he expects some variation from Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and said he would not be surprised to see more blitzes than Philadelphia averages, citing the Cowboys’ recent struggles against heavy pressure.
Dallas defensive coordinator Christian Parker, who spent two seasons in Philadelphia, has provided insight for the game plan, Prescott said, as the Cowboys prepared to practice one more time on Saturday before departing for Philadelphia. Prescott welcomed the road environment at Lincoln Financial Field and described it as a true hostile atmosphere, saying there is nothing better than quieting a loud crowd or getting them to boo their own team. The team is seeking to translate that competitive energy into improved offensive execution on Monday night.
NFL Sports Blog Take
The Cowboys face a clear corrective path grounded in the facts Prescott outlined: establish a consistent running attack, improve protection calls against the blitz and get playmakers like George Pickens involved earlier. With Dallas sitting 2-4 and having produced 76 rushing yards per game, the urgency Prescott described is warranted; running the ball more effectively would limit opponent blitzing and create more play-action chances. The offensive line and running backs are positioned to take responsibility, but execution in protection communication and tempo will determine whether the Cowboys can turn narrow losses into wins in the immediate stretch. If Dallas can revive its ground game, the formula Prescott described offers a practical route to more explosive plays and better overall offensive balance.