Dallas did not deliver success to its demanding fans in 2024
There was more than a glimmer of hope in the Dallas Cowboys‘ building back in September, as “America’s Team” hoped its 65th NFL season would end in what its fanbase has long coveted: a sixth Super Bowl title, which would be the Cowboys‘ first since 1995.
But an injury to star quarterback Dak Prescott — in the first year of his $60 million per year contract, no less — dashed Dallas‘ hopes of recapturing its decades-old glory. The Cowboys were eliminated from playoff contention before beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend, a Pyrrhic victory that may yet have significant consequences for 2025 and beyond.
Related:
Cooper’s impressive cameo
The Cowboys’ recent reversal in fortunes has been driven by the play of Cooper Rush, Prescott‘s backup. He has led Dallas to four wins from its past five games while avoiding turnovers (three interceptions from 280 pass attempts) and throwing as many touchdowns overall (11) as Prescott threw in eight games before his injury.
During his weekly appearance on local radio station 105.3 The Fan, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was asked whether Rush‘s play of late had led to second thoughts over handing Prescott a record-setting extension in September. But Jones was clear on the answer — he has no regrets over Prescott’s deal, despite the 31-year-old’s unfortunate hamstring tear.
Rush, also 31, has spent his entire career in Dallas backing up Prescott. His recent performances may convince another team to take a shot on him as their signal-caller, because Jones is not giving up so easily on Prescott or his Super Bowl dreams.