Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott summed up the team’s performance following their Week 5 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers with two powerful words: “persistence” and “resilience.”
On Sunday, October 6, the Cowboys left Acrisure Stadium with a hard-fought 20-17 win.
The game was thrilling, as Prescott connected with wide receiver Jalen Tolbert for a touchdown with just 20 seconds remaining, capping off a 70-yard drive that secured the win.
After the game, Prescott emphasized the team’s determination during that critical drive.
“The team really showed it there,” he said during the post-game press conference, highlighting their ability to stay focused under pressure.
Reflecting on the game-winning touchdown to Tolbert, Prescott remarked on the importance of the fourth-down conversion.
“It was special to get it back to Tolbert,” he explained. “He did a great job coming across the field to get open, and the offensive line played excellently, allowing me to stay in the pocket.”
Despite the victory, Prescott acknowledged some of the team’s challenges during the game, particularly an interception he threw just before halftime. “We just wanted a chance,” he noted.
“I was frustrated about that two-minute drive before half, especially throwing that interception when we could have scored points—at least three, if not a touchdown.
I love those two-minute situations, so getting back in it down four, knowing we needed a touchdown, was critical.”
Prescott also commended the Cowboys for their preparation in high-pressure scenarios, such as the last-minute touchdown.
“We practice those situations a lot,” he said.
“I’d say we do it as much as, if not more than any team in the league. We’re all very comfortable in those moments with the plays being called.
We got down the field quickly and created opportunities in the end zone, whether it was my run getting to the half-yard line or Rico Dowdle trying to leap over.
We always emphasize following the ball, and that’s more important than ever. It’s a testament to how practice situations translate into games.”
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are set to face the Detroit Lions, who currently have a record of 3-1, on Sunday, October 13, at home.
Following the win against the Steelers, head coach Mike McCarthy stressed the need to shift focus immediately to the Lions.
“We’re all about the Lions right now; that page has been turned,” he stated during an October 7 press conference.
“This is what Monday is for. We have a big challenge ahead, and we need to win a home game. We used to be pretty good at home, so it’s important to secure that first home win.”
Overall, the Cowboys are looking to build on their success from the previous week as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
With Prescott at the helm and a commitment to improving, the team is aiming to maintain its momentum and continue delivering strong performances.
Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter who covers the NFL and college football for Heavy.
With years of experience in sports journalism, her work has appeared in prominent outlets like ESPN and Fox Sports.
Erickson has interviewed numerous high-profile athletes, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, and also hosts various podcasts while serving as a radio host based in Detroit.
