As we move further into the 2023 NFL season, the Dallas Cowboys are settling into their stride within games. Or are they? In just six games there have already been some big losses and wins too close for comfort. At this juncture, some players are being singled out more than others.
When you’re the leader, and the quarterback of a team, then you’re bound to come under more scrutiny than the rest. And this is exactly what’s happening for Dak Prescott. But is any of this criticism warranted? Maybe the better question would be, who would replace him if it is, and what does coach Mike McCarthy think?
No title under Prescott
One of the biggest issues Prescott is facing at this point is that he has yet to get the Dallas Cowboys a title. With seven years under his belt for the team, many fans feel that this is long enough. And of course, with fans looking to place bets on game outcomes and player performances, coach McCarthy may have to start considering what the supporters think. The Cowboys aren’t a complete write-off for this year’s title yet, with many bookmakers giving them odds of around +1100 for the Super Bowl. To win NFC East, they’re pretty well-fancied, at +180, the second-favorites for the title.
While domestic online sportsbooks are not yet available in Texas, there are nearby states that offer this type of gambling. If you’re in Amarillo or other areas in northern Texas, Colorado is the closest state with domestic online sportsbooks, while Louisiana is the closest state for those located in other parts of Texas. However, residents of Lone Star State need not travel, as they can legally access offshore sportsbook sites that offer a wide range of sports betting options, including the NFL (source: https://bestsportsbettingtexas.com/betting-apps/).
So, everyone knows just how tough a job it is to be a quarterback for a team, as the betting odds are showing. As the leader and main playmaker, quarterbacks like Prescott have to operate under intense scrutiny at all times. And to be frank, Prescott is managing this rather well.
Despite some recent losses, Prescott has secured the team some narrow victories, notably the recent one over the Chargers. And to be fair, coach Mike McCarthy is having none of the negative criticism surrounding his player.
Taking up the mantel
While the coach isn’t planning to replace Prescott any time soon, fans are not in the same frame of mind. They want wins. And when a team doesn’t get them, the first member of the team to be replaced is the quarterback.
But for the Dallas Cowboys, this begs the question of who would be able to handle this position. There are a couple of players who may have to answer the call. One is Cooper Rush, but while he’s solid, there’s nothing special here either. And his ceiling is not anywhere near that of Prescott. Dallas has already acquired Trey Lance, but as a relative newcomer, there is no guarantee that he would be able to turn things around or even do well in the quarterback role.
We’re into the bye week now and the Dallas Cowboys are at a 4-2 record, so all is not lost. The problem is Prescot’s propensity for throwing interceptions, which has lost them two games. When he doesn’t, the Cowboys have won. But this does limit the way that the team can score as a whole.
It’s not over until it’s over though. The team is right up there in the East race. At this point, to silence any doubters, Prescott really needs to hope that he can steer the Cowboys to more victories across the rest of the season. Mostly wins would be ideal and potentially keep Prescott from being forcibly moved on.
