FRISCO, TX - The memory still lingers. The Dallas Cowboys' 45-28 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that entered the postseason with one of the league's most feared defenses and a veteran quarterback in search of another deep playoff run.
"Painful," said Dak Prescott, bluntly. "There's no other way to describe it. We had everything lined up - home field, momentum, health - and we let it slip."
Prescott, now entering his 23rd season in the 2K Online Franchise league, finished Season 32 with 3,929 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and just five interceptions across 17 games. While his completion percentage (54.7%) and sack count (29) raised concerns, his ability to protect the ball and guide the Cowboys to a 14-3 record put Dallas in a position to contend.
But then came Minnesota.
"We didn't play clean football," Prescott said of the loss, in which he completed just 18 of 42 passes with three costly interceptions. "I take full responsibility for that. It's not on the coaches, it's not on the line - that game's on me."
In a season where Prescott also added seven rushing touchdowns, his dual-threat ability was a key part of Dallas's offensive identity. However, against a Vikings defense that ranked last in the league during the regular season, the Cowboys were outplayed at every level.
Looking Ahead
The sting of defeat has only added fuel to the fire for Prescott, who turns 34 this year.
"This is a reset moment," he said during this week's OTAs. "You look around this locker room, and there's a hunger. Guys aren't moping - they're grinding. We know our window's still open, and I plan to kick it down this year."
Prescott also praised new additions to the offense, hinting at changes that could alleviate some of the pressure he faced last year.
"There are some fresh faces, and I like the energy they're bringing. We're going to spread the ball more, get the backs involved, and be more unpredictable."
Confidence from Within
Despite outside skepticism, Prescott remains confident in Dallas's ability to return to contender status in Season 33.
"I'm not interested in predictions or power rankings," he said. "This team is built to win now. And I'm not done chasing that ring - not by a long shot."
Up Next
The Cowboys open the preseason on the road against the Los Angeles Rams, a team looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season. It may be an exhibition, but for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, redemption starts now.
