Discover how Dak Prescott navigated intense pressure, transforming game-altering moments into precision throws that fuel the Cowboys' winning streak.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott led his team to a stunning 31-28 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday to have a happy Thanksgiving and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
With the Cowboys now stringing together three straight wins, hope and momentum are beginning to build for coach Brian Schottenheimer's team, as the Detroit Lions come into view next week.
But back to the Chiefs game.
One thing we were watching intently was how the offensive line would deal with KC coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense, and the exotic blitzes and pressure packages he throws at quarterbacks.
Well, Dak and his offensive line didn't just pass the test, they aced it.
The offensive line gave up no sacks to Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, and Co., and when it came to Prescott being under pressure, just once was he rattled, on his interception on the first drive of the game.
After that, Dak beat the pressure with quick, crisp throws that halted the pass rush in its tracks.
And when there was a deep shot to take, the O-line held up well to give Prescott time.
Now, by the numbers? There was "pressure.''
ESPN Research reports that Dak "was pressured on 36 percent of his dropbacks, his third-highest pressure percentage in a game this season.''
But now did Prescott respond? By going 11-of-14 on this plays - including on his two TD passes. duress.
When asked he when he has a game like this if he's sore, a smiling Dak gave a great answer.
'Yeah, there's no soreness, especially when you win,” Prescott said. “If anything, I'll probably feel it tomorrow. But it's a physical game, and I love that about the game of football. My offensive line did a hell of a job, they didn't get me sacked. This is pro ball playing against some amazing guys out there, and they've got their hands full, right? You're blocking Chris Jones and some of those other guys.
"We work hand in hand. I've got their back just the same as they've got mine. So, I think tonight was an example of that, even if they weren't perfect, us together, we made it work, got the ball out, and if I take a hit here and there, so be it.”
In the last two games, against what some call the best defense in football, the Philadelphia Eagles, and then the Chiefs, who have a knack for making a quarterback's life hell, Dallas has given up a total of just two sacks.
And going back to the Las Vegas Raiders game, the Cowboys, in their last three outings, have given up just three sacks.
That, as much as anything, has been the catalyst for this form surge offensively as the Cowboys now look ahead to Detroit with a chance to go 3-0 in this brutal three-game gauntlet.