The Dallas Cowboys were dealt a sobering reality of life in the NFL on Sunday night, when quarterback Dak Prescott suffered a broken thumb that will require surgery and sideline him six-to-eight weeks. It was proof that everything really is bigger in Texas, especially when there are problems with America’s Team. As Prescott left the field for what might be the final time until the second half of the 2022 season, it reminded owner Jerry Jones of something important.
Dallas’ ego got too big. They spent an entire offseason trying to show the world they are smarter than everyone else, letting go of receivers left and right, ignoring offensive line problems, and even the backup quarterback spot. At one point, Prescott was the only quarterback even on the roster.
Well, now that the dust has settled, the Cowboys will move forward without number four under center for the foreseeable future, hoping to stay afloat as the injuries mount. Typically bugs like warm weather, and Dallas has plenty of it, so buckle up.
However, the reality is that most of this was avoidable. Years of bad cap management and unbelievable arrogance was the problem for a team that isn’t known for its recent history of winning. Apparently, willingly letting talent walk out the door is a bad strategy. Who would’ve thought?
Without Prescott, the Cowboys chances of keeping their season alive until the end of September feels like a stretch and Vegas agrees, making this once division favorite now +600 to win the NFC East on and a whopping -330 to miss the playoffs on FanDuel. Considering this division has been time and time again nicknamed the, “NFC Least,” that’s probably not an ideal outcome.
For now, Dallas appears to be ready to move forward with backup quarterback Cooper Rush, who actually filled in admirably for Prescott last season in his first career start, defeating the Vikings. However, with much less talent on the 2022 roster, Rush might be in trouble.
The Cowboys could always call free-agent Cam Newton, who might be the best of a bunch of outside options. No, Jimmy Garoppolo isn’t walking through the door anytime soon, so let’s now even entertain the idea. Maybe another trade becomes possible at some point? Drew Lock anyone?
For now, the ‘D’ in “Big D” stands for disaster, which is what Mike McCarthy’s team is and Week 1 isn’t even officially over yet.