Dak Prescott stands on the brink of making history for Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks as he heads into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the New York Giants. With 4,482 passing yards this season, Prescott currently leads the NFL, holding a slender 34-yard lead over Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. If he successfully claims the league’s passing title, Prescott would be the first Cowboys quarterback to do so, a feat that has eluded legends like Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, and Tony Romo.
Despite the potential achievement, Prescott remains focused on the game rather than the individual accolades. “It would be cool, but I’m just playing the game,” he said amidst the disappointment of the Cowboys not making the playoffs in consecutive years after a promising stretch from 2021 to 2023. Success in the NFL is heavily reliant on having a top-tier quarterback, and Prescott’s impressive statistics this season reflect that standard. Alongside leading in passing yards, Prescott tops the league in completions (397) and attempts (589), earning Pro Bowl honors for his performance.
However, the Cowboys’ offensive strength contrasts sharply with their defensive struggles, as they have recorded the worst defense in the league in points allowed. Prescott acknowledges the challenge, focusing on playing smart and clean football. “I’m not going to try to chase” the record, he remarked, showing his commitment to team success over personal statistics.
As the Cowboys prepare to take on the Giants, which they have beaten 14 straight times when Prescott is the starting quarterback, the game will also see backup Joe Milton potentially stepping in at some point. Prescott is intent on executing the game plan without undue pressure from potential record pursuits, opting for a smart approach to secure a win.
This weekend’s matchups also feature several intriguing storylines across the league, such as Saints and Falcons vying for the NFC South title, Browns’ Myles Garrett seeking an NFL single-season sack record, and the Dolphins battling for playoff positioning. With various narratives unfolding, the final week of the regular season is shaping up to be compelling for teams and players alike as they fight for their respective goals.