Dak Prescott’s NFL Week 6 feat highlights Cowboys’ issues

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) communicates during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Dak Prescott’s NFL Week 6 feat highlights Cowboys’ significant issues

By Jeff Smith | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 9:02 AM ET

Dallas Cowboys fans should be basking in the exceptional play of quarterback Dak Prescott over the past three weeks. However, the Cowboys wrapped up the last three weeks with a 1-1-1 record, which includes a lone victory over the winless New York Jets and a loss to the previously sub-.500 Carolina Panthers.

Over that span, Prescott has reeled off a staggering 10 touchdown passes and zero interceptions while rushing for one additional score. It's a record-setting three-game span for Prescott, but not in the way the Cowboys, their struggling defense and frustrated fanbase would like.

As ESPN's Todd Archer highlighted, according to ESPN Research, Prescott is the first quarterback to account for 11 or more passing/rushing touchdowns with no turnovers, and hold a non-winning record in a three-game stretch.

From ESPN Research: Since starts were first tracked in 1950, Dak Prescott is the 1st QB to have 11 or more Pass TD/Rush TD, 0 turnovers and a non-winning record over a 3-start span.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) October 13, 2025

What Cowboys' issues does this Dak Prescott feat highlight?

This highlights an issue that was almost expected after the team traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers. Unfortunately, it's unknown if Parsons would have even been able to factor in enough to impact the results.

The Cowboys gave up 40 points in their overtime tie against the Green Bay Packers, but it was the porous effort against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 that highlighted all of the struggles.

In Dallas' 30-27 loss to quarterback Bryce Young and their former starting running back Rico Dowdle, the defense simply had no answers. Young threw three touchdown passes while Dowdle tormented the Cowboys' defense. While owner Jerry Jones said the trade of Parsons addressed the team's run defense, it's hard to envision that he expected Dowdle to rip off 183 rushing yards on 30 carries.

For good measure, Dowdle also led the Panthers in receiving, catching four passes for 56 yards and one touchdown. It was an incredible revenge game from Dowdle, and an even worse performance from the Cowboys' defense.

Prescott is playing at an elite level, and maybe more than any year in his career, his exceptional play is being wasted by a woeful defense. Prescott is being dealt the same hand Tony Romo received throughout his career, and Jones refuses to acknowledge it.

Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith has extensive experience as a sports writer and editor, including stops at ESPN, FOX Sports, CBS Sports, USA TODAY SMG, and Heavy. Jeff's passion for sports content starts and finishes with writing and he's grateful to be able to work in that field on a daily basis.

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