Dak Prescott Knows the Clock Is Ticking - And He’s Feeling It
There’s no sugarcoating it anymore - Dak Prescott knows the pressure is real. After a decade in the league, with multiple playoff appearances but no Super Bowl trips to show for it, the Cowboys quarterback is carrying more than just expectations. He’s carrying the weight of time.
“Monkey, gorilla - you know, it gets bigger each year that we don’t make it,” Prescott said, speaking candidly about the growing burden. “That’s real.”
Prescott’s rookie year in 2016 was a dream start - 13 wins, a division title, and a sense that the Cowboys had found their next great franchise QB. At the time, it felt like the beginning of something special. But fast-forward to Year 10, and that early promise has yet to materialize into a championship run.
“When you have a year like I did as a rookie, you think you're going to have multiple opportunities,” he said. “And now in Year 10, having opportunities and not doing what you wanted as a team and individually, it hurts.”
That sting isn't just about missed chances - it’s about what each new season represents. Another shot, another climb, another fall short.
And with each playoff exit, the pressure only intensifies. Prescott isn’t shying away from it.
In fact, he’s embracing it as part of the journey.
“Every year it just means even more. You want to be here, and you want to be playing,” he said.
“But the mindset I have is we go through everything for a purpose. And you can’t tell me that all these 10 years and every experience I’ve had wasn’t for us to be better and get there next year.”
It’s a mindset that speaks to resilience - and a belief that the story isn’t over yet. But make no mistake: the expectations in Dallas are sky-high, and the window won’t stay open forever.
Eagles Face Big Questions With A.J. Brown, Lane Johnson, and Dallas Goedert
While the Cowboys are focused on chasing that elusive Super Bowl, the Eagles are staring down a critical offseason - one that could reshape the core of their offense.
Two names loom largest: wide receiver A.J. Brown and offensive tackle Lane Johnson.
Both are cornerstone players. Both would be incredibly difficult to replace.
And both have uncertain futures in Philly.
If the Eagles manage to bring back even one of them, that’s a win. But if both walk?
That’s a different story - and not one the Eagles want to write. Losing Brown’s playmaking and Johnson’s veteran presence would be a major blow to an offense that already showed signs of regression late in the season.
Right now, the outlook is murky. The expectation is that Brown could be on the move, potentially seeking a trade.
If that happens, Philadelphia will have to get creative - and aggressive - to fill the void. Brown isn’t just a top-tier receiver; he’s been the heartbeat of the passing game.
As for Johnson, his future may hinge on health and contract structure, but his leadership and consistency at right tackle are not easily replaced. The Eagles would love to have him back, but they’ll need to navigate cap space and long-term planning to make it work.
Then there’s tight end Dallas Goedert. He’s headed for free agency, and while he’s been a reliable target when healthy, a $16 million franchise tag feels unlikely. If the Eagles do bring him back, it’ll probably be on a team-friendly deal - and even then, they’re expected to explore the tight end market for depth or a potential long-term replacement.
Looking ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Eagles’ needs are clear: offensive line help is at the top of the list. With Johnson aging and the line showing signs of wear, investing in the trenches early - possibly in the first two rounds - would make a lot of sense.
But that’s not the only area of concern. The team also has long-term needs at tight end and wide receiver, especially if Brown and Goedert depart. Expect Philly to be active in both free agency and the draft as they look to reload.
In a move that could help stabilize the offense, the Eagles are bringing in former Packers wide receivers coach Ryan Mahaffey to serve as their new run game coordinator and tight ends coach. It’s a strategic hire aimed at tightening up the ground game and maximizing tight end production - two areas that could become even more important depending on how the roster shakes out.
The NFC East is never short on drama, and this offseason is shaping up to be no different. The Cowboys are feeling the pressure to finally break through, while the Eagles are trying to hold their roster together as key pieces potentially walk out the door.
One team is chasing a legacy. The other is trying to preserve one.
And both know the clock is ticking.