Dak Prescott and Cowboys offense activating playoff mode
Dak Prescott activated a new mode in a 40-34 victory against the Eagles, one that can win playoff games.
Prescott had his best game against Philadelphia (13-2), who has the league's second-best defense through 15 games, finishing with season highs in passing yards (347), completion percentage (77.1) and passer rating (124.3).
He also demonstrated a vital late-season quality: resilience.
Before the Philadelphia game, Prescott faced heavy criticism for his interception rate (1.2 per game), the highest in his seven-year career.
"(Prescott) went from seemingly playing out of his mind to being at the center of why people are questioning the Cowboys' championship mettle," wrote Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram.
It looked like the mettle crumbled when Prescott threw his 12th interception of the season on Dallas' first drive in Week 16, a Josh Sweat pick-six.
Afterward, he responded. Prescott went 16-of-18 for the rest of the first half and threw a touchdown, per Hill Jr. And he helped the Cowboys outscore the Eagles 23-7 in the final 21 minutes of the game after Dallas fell behind 27-17 in the third quarter.
"I don't know if you can respond any better," said Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy in a post-game news conference.
Prescott overcoming the league's best team develops an air of unflappability, crucial for a playoff run. It also signals that he and the Cowboys (11-4) might be hitting their stride at the right time.
"I think it's a hell of a way to warm up for the playoffs," said Dallas owner Jerry Jones after the victory.
The Cowboys offense is heating up. According to The Athletic's Jon Machota, it's scored 25 points in eight consecutive games, a franchise record.
Prescott threw 19 touchdowns over the past eight games. If he and the offense continue to roll, they can be the center of a deep playoff run.
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