Dak Prescott Will Do His 'Damnedest' to Make Sure Cowboys Don't Miss Playoffs Again

Dak Prescott is going to do everything he can to ensure the Dallas Cowboys aren't in the same position again following a disappointing 2025 campaign.

"We won't be back here in this spot," the veteran quarterback told reporters Tuesday. "I feel like the last few times I've probably said that were (after) playoff losses. Each year has its own troubles. Each year has its own highs, lows, ebbs and flows, and everything within it. And I think for the importance, it's controlling what you can.

"… I'm gonna do my damnedest, controlling what I can, and you know as you get older, having more input, having more say so and being asked more questions from the front office, maybe there's a little bit more that I can do. 

"And it's not just physically or me getting better at my game. Maybe it's speaking up and saying that this will help, or I think this can help. So, whatever it takes, I'm gonna do my damnedest. And make sure that I'm influencing and encouraging everybody else around me, not just players, to do the same."

It has been a roller coaster season for the Cowboys, who traded Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers following a contract impasse during training camp, started 3-5-1, rallied with three straight wins to get back into the playoff picture and then fell out of the postseason race with three straight losses.

That three-game winning streak included victories over last season's Super Bowl teams in the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, which created plenty of optimism heading into the stretch run.

However, the defense allowed an average of 37.3 points per game during the last three losses to the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Chargers.

▶️ Full Chargers-Cowboys Recap

06:00

Prescott—who has thrown for 4,175 yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through 15 games this season—can try his "damndest" to avoid a similar fate in 2026 and beyond, but he can only do so much if the defense is going to struggle that much in the biggest moments.

And that has largely been the case this season, as Dallas is 31st in the league in points allowed per game and 30th in the league in yards allowed per game.

Even with Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Javonte Williams and others playing well for the offense, the defensive issues have resulted in an ugly 6-8-1 record ahead of what promises to be a pressure-packed offseason for the front office.

But that front office can at least take solace knowing Prescott is going to continue to be a leader as he looks to return to the playoffs in the future.