Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott entered the week with a clear goal: close the gap to former Cowboys great Troy Aikman and help the team secure a 12‑win season. After a 37‑20 win over Washington that gave him his 249th career touchdown pass, Prescott sits ten regular‑season victories behind Aikman’s 94.
Record chase gains momentum
Prescott, 33, is under a $60 million‑per‑year contract that runs through 2028, making the record chase realistic. A win against the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro this Sunday would tie him with two‑time champion Roger Staubach at 85 regular‑season victories, further cementing his place in Cowboys lore.
Speaking after the Washington game, Prescott paid tribute to Staubach, noting the legendary quarterback’s role in shaping the “America’s Team” identity. “He’s the epitome of what a Dallas Cowboys quarterback should be, and he’s who I’m chasing,” Prescott said.
What’s working
The passing connection between Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb remains strong. Lamb was targeted nine times, catching eight passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, his 37th career touchdown reception from Prescott. The duo’s chemistry has been a cornerstone of the offense.
Prescott also hopes to re‑establish a rhythm with rookie wideout George Pickens, who posted 68 yards in two games after a breakout 2025 season.
Areas needing improvement
The Cowboys’ pass rush has struggled to consistently bring down opposing quarterbacks. While the defense generated pressure against Washington, it could not contain New York Giants quarterback Jayden Daniels, who left the game with a dislocated left elbow. The team also missed the opportunity to pressure Daniels earlier in the season.
Injuries have tested depth on both sides of the ball. Safety Malik Hooker and defensive end DeMarvion Overshown were unavailable against the Commanders, and the game saw further losses with safety P.J. Locke (foot) and cornerback Cobie Durant (hamstring) exiting.
Key milestones
Prescott’s 20‑game home winning streak against NFC East opponents ties former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady for the longest division streak since 1970. The next test comes on Thanksgiving against the Philadelphia Eagles, the two‑time defending NFC East champions.
Looking ahead
After the long trip to Rio, Dallas returns home to face the Houston Texans the following Sunday, then hosts the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Oct. 8 after a short week. If the Cowboys maintain their winning trajectory, they could secure a playoff berth for the sixth time in Prescott’s eleven‑season tenure.
Prescott’s focus remains clear: turn record‑chasing into victories that bring the franchise back to the deep postseason runs it has not seen since the last of its five championships 31 years ago.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
