2023 is going to be a big year for the Dallas Cowboys. They are coming off of back-to-back double-digit win seasons for the first time since their dynasty in the mid-90s, but have come up short when it matters most in the playoffs.
The Cowboys have been eliminated two straight years by the San Francisco 49ers, who defeated them during Wild Card weekend last season and in the Divisional Round this past season. A common theme in both games was the offense not being able to get going.
Dallas managed to score only 17 points in the Wild Card Game and 12 in the Divisional Round matchup. Quarterback Dak Prescott was underwhelming in both matchups, completing 46-of-80 passes for 460 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
Turnovers were a major issue for Prescott during the 2022 season as he threw a league-leading 15 in the regular season despite playing only 12 games. That is something that will have to get fixed in 2023 if the team wants to find any success.
Cutting down on the turnovers should be a goal that the seven-year veteran has for the upcoming season. Head coach Mike McCarthy has provided him with another one, which he revealed during a press conference on Tuesday.
“My goal is for Dak to play 20 games next year,” said McCarthy, per Todd Archer of ESPN. “If he plays 20 games next year, obviously we’ll be right where we want to be.”
20 games would nearly be the most that Prescott and the Cowboys would have to play to make an appearance in the Super Bowl. There are 17 regular season games and depending on how things shake out there, they would play the Divisional Round, NFC Championship Game and then compete for the Lombardi Trophy.
While that is a challenge to lead the team to success, it is also McCarthy likely motivating Prescott to find a way to stay healthy during the season. He has missed significant time in two out of the last three seasons, which has resulted in some underwhelming team performances.
Staying healthy and working on ball security are two things that Prescott should focus on. If he can achieve that, McCarthy’s goal of playing in 20 games becomes that much easier to attain.
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