The Dallas Cowboys’ playoff hopes are hanging by a thread-make that a 1% thread-after a 34-26 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. With just three games left in the regular season and the team sitting at 6-7-1, the math isn’t kind. But don’t expect Dak Prescott to be watching the rest of the season from the sidelines.
Despite the long odds, Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer made it clear this week: Prescott is still the guy under center. When asked about the possibility of giving rookie backup Joe Milton a look down the stretch, Schottenheimer didn’t hesitate.
“I want to win,” he said. Translation: Dak’s the starter, and that’s not changing.
Prescott’s numbers against the Vikings weren’t eye-popping-23 completions on 38 attempts for 294 yards and no touchdowns-but they tell part of the story. He moved the ball, but the offense couldn’t finish drives when it mattered. That’s been a recurring theme in a season that’s seen flashes of promise but too many missed opportunities.
Through 14 games, Prescott has thrown for 3,931 yards and 26 touchdowns. Solid numbers, especially considering the inconsistency around him.
But with the postseason all but out of reach, the conversation has shifted. Should the Cowboys protect their franchise quarterback and give Milton some live reps?
Or should they ride with their leader and try to finish the year with some pride?
Schottenheimer’s answer was definitive. And Dak? He’s not backing down either.
“Unfortunately, I’m sure the playoffs are out of the picture,” Prescott said after the loss in Minnesota. “But you can’t just give up.
You can’t just stop. You can’t just say, ‘Oh, we’re not going to the playoffs.’
It’s the National Football League.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from your QB1, even when the postseason path is all but closed. Prescott talked about pride-not just in the jersey, but in the work, the preparation, and the grind that comes with playing at the highest level. It’s a message that resonates in a locker room full of players fighting for jobs, reputations, and the future of the franchise.
As for Joe Milton, the rookie out of Tennessee came to Dallas via a trade with New England back in April. He was a sixth-round pick, No. 193 overall, and has seen limited action this season.
In two appearances, he’s thrown for 99 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also had a 241-yard, one-touchdown outing in his lone extended look earlier in the year.
Milton’s arm talent is undeniable, but he’s still raw. The Cowboys clearly see potential, but they’re not ready to throw him into the fire just yet. And with three games left, they’re choosing to stick with the veteran who’s been the face of the franchise for the better part of a decade.
Dallas currently sits second in the NFC East behind the Philadelphia Eagles. But barring a miracle and a whole lot of help from around the league, their playoff run will be on hold for another year. If that holds true, it’ll be the second straight season the Cowboys miss the postseason-an outcome that will no doubt raise serious questions in the offseason.
Next up, the Cowboys head west to face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. It’s a chance to snap a two-game losing streak and, more importantly, show that this team still has some fight left.
The playoffs may be a long shot, but don’t expect this team-or its quarterback-to coast to the finish line. There’s still pride on the line in Dallas.