Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott leads Dallas to first road-playoff win in 30 years

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/17/23

Dak Prescott and the Cowboys ended past road-playoff woes, becoming the first Dallas team to win a road postseason game since Jan. 17, 1993, in a dominant 31-14 victory over Tampa Bay.

"This may be the best game of his career," said former Cowboy and Pro Hall of Famer Troy Aikman during the ESPN telecast.

Prescott shined, going 25-of-33, throwing four touchdowns, rushing for another, and posting a 143.3 passer rating, a career-high in the postseason, per Pro Football Reference.

Extend the play ➡️ make the play!@dak & @BinghamBaller9 link up for their 2nd TD of the night!

: @espn | #DALvsTB pic.twitter.com/mt9yWwQE50
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) January 17, 2023

The performance inserted Prescott into a rare company.

Only two other Dallas QBs have thrown four TDs in a playoff game: Roger Staubach and Aikman. Each won multiple Super Bowls in Dallas and is a Pro Football Hall of Famer. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Prescott became one of five players with four passing TDs and a rushing TD in NFL postseason history.

Dak Prescott is the third Cowboys quarterback to throw four touchdowns in a playoff game, joining Troy Aikman (vs. BUF, Super Bowl XXVII) and Roger Staubach (at LAR, 1/4/76).
— Dallas Cowboys Public Relations (@DallasCowboysPR) January 17, 2023

Dak Prescott is the 5th player with 4 Pass TD and a Rush TD in a game in NFL postseason history, joining Matt Ryan, Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning and Tobin Rote. pic.twitter.com/CEpB5svbwx
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 17, 2023

Also, he didn't throw an interception, snapping a seven-game streak with at least one pick.

Prescott needed this performance due to his 2-3 starting record in the postseason and his early struggles against Tampa Bay — Dallas lost to the Buccaneers 19-3 in Week 1.

Overcoming an obstacle in the playoffs might indicate Prescott's calming down and building composure, a crucial component in a deep playoff run.

Outplaying a seven-time Super Bowl champion also gives Prescott confidence. Buccaneers QB Tom Brady (7-1) had never lost a game to Dallas before the Cowboys' victory on Monday.

It could go down as one of the finest chapters in his career.

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