Dak Prescott grapples with desire to play versus team's strategic future. Is it time for the Cowboys to tank?
FRISCO - In recent days as it involves treating the final games of this losing Dallas Cowboys year as if it's "Preseason in December,'' Dak Prescott has allowed his heart to do his speaking for him.
But suddenly, and subtly, Dak's head would now like a word.
Following the Cowboys' 30-23 win at the Commanders on Christmas Day, Prescott arrived at the postgame media podium wearing a sweater emblazoned with a message.
"Wake Up Happy."
It's a lovely sentiment and a fine approach to life ... even if it doesn't quite jibe with being an "all-or-nothing competitor'' who can't possibly be "happy'' about Dallas being 7-8-1.
But maybe, with one more "meaningless'' game remaining, next week at the Giants, it's time for Dak and the Cowboys to accept reality.
Not happily. But honestly.
Dak in a sense held two different press conferences on Thursday. The one conducted by his heart repeated the mantras that have driven him in recent weeks.
Said Prescott's heart: "For sure, no question," Prescott said when asked if he wanted to play up next week. "I love this game, I love any opportunity that I get to play it.''
But then Prescott's head seized the microphone.
"That being said, if I get to go out there, I'm going to give it my best, prepare the same way, I'm going to be the same player that you guys know,'' Dak said. "I understand, the reasons why maybe not, and if I'm approached with that, I'll handle that then …"
Wait. "If''? "Maybe''? "I understand''?
Good for Prescott.
He just got done throwing for 307 yards and two TDs while surviving six sacks and 11 QB hits. ... reasons enough for everyone in this organization to back away from the meatheaded stubbornness of "players play'' to instead consider all involved issues.
Is there an NFL Draft benefit to be had by losing? Would it help the franchise to play some of the younger prospects? Is an injury risk worth it when there is $60 million per year invested in a franchise QB who next summer turns 33?
I'm not insisting Dallas follow my advice and "Organically Tank'' next week.
I am saying that there is no proof that a win fortifies first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer's beloved "culture.''
And I'm also saying that Dak's heart is wrong when he swears that finishing 7-9-1 instead of 8-8-1 represents "a big difference.''
No. It does not.
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Anyway, it's to Dak's credit that he's at least backing down from where he was a couple of days ago, when he testified that he'd "fight'' his bosses if they ordered him to sit.
"I'll have some fight back," Prescott said. "It depends on how it comes – what's the purpose, what's the reason? Obviously, I understand being approached about it ... I want to go out there and I want to win ...
"Me starting I feel like gives us the best chance ... I want to win.''
But it's not all about what Dak wants. It's about what's best for the franchise.
Right, Schotty?
"It's Christmas, I'm going to enjoy Christmas, man," Schottenheimer said when asked about the idea of sittingh Prescott next week. "I'm going to have some eggnog and I'll deal with that when I get looking back at the film."
Good, coach. Drink it all in. And then follow Prescott's lead and start thinking with both your heart and your head.
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