Mike McCarthy: Dak Prescott is ‘clearly the answer’

The Dallas Cowboys‘ first-round playoff loss against the Green Bay Packers threw every player and coach’s role on the team into question but so far, everything’s stable at The Star. Addressing the media for the first time since Sunday, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy opened up about his end-of-season meeting with quarterback Dak Prescott. The duo commiserated in their disappointment but now, they’re looking ahead to the future and the 2024 season.

“It was productive,” McCarthy said. “We talked about a range of things. The biggest thing with Dak, we spend so much time together… it’s more of a continuation of our conversation on a number of different topics. I have unbelievable belief in Dak, I think he clearly has another step. Think the offense has suited him well. It’s a system built on making a QB successful. The growth opportunity we both see in the future is something we’re excited about.”

Dak Prescott threw 60 passes with 41 completions in the 48-32 loss to Green Bay. He gave up two costly interceptions after cutting down on them during the regular season and despite throwing for 400 yards, the QB summed his performance up into one word: “Sucked.”

Cowboys moving forward with McCarthy, Prescott

Despite Prescott’s meager record in playoff games through his first eight seasons, the Cowboys have no realistic recourse other than. to continue forward with the former fourth-round pick. He has a no-trade clause in his contract and a cap hit of $59.4 million in 2024.

Prescott was one of the most emphatic players to speak on McCarthy’s behalf after the team’s loss on Sunday. He told reporters that if the head coach’s job was in jeopardy then his should be on the hot seat as well. McCarthy reiterated his faith in the veteran quarterback as the duo enters his ninth year in the league next season.

“I think it shows the connection that we have and the belief he has in the direction we’re going,” McCarthy said. “I said earlier, I believe in Dak Prescott. He’s clearly the answer, he’s part of the solution moving forward. As difficult as this time is right now, I think we can work through this emotional period we’re in and build on what he brings to the table.”

Next season will be the second year that the two work together as play-caller and QB, which will hopefully yield more success in the postseason.