Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott enters his eighth season as leader of the most valuable franchise in the world.
He has had more ups than downs, and is near the top of the list of quarterbacks with the most wins since 2016.
This article is part three of a three part series. To read part one, click here. To read part two, click here.
In this series, we are discussing Prescott’s individual record versus all teams on the Cowboys’ 2023 schedule. Let’s continue.
Washington Commanders
W/L record: 9-2
Last meeting: Cowboys 6, Commanders 26
2023 matchup: Weeks 12 & 18
Prescott might have lost his last matchup with the Commanders, but prior to that game in January of 2023, he had won nine out of the last 10.
Dallas had a chance to stay in the race for the NFC’s #1 seed this past January, but dropped a stinker on the road in Washington.
It was only the second loss Prescott has suffered versus Washington. Like the Eagles, both of his career losses are on the road.
Dak has earned each one of those nine wins. Washington always plays tough.
Even if the offense can’t get anything going, the defense always comes to play.
Prescott has been sacked at least once in every game he has played versus the Commanders, and has been sacked four times in four of those 11 games.
Dak has averaged 230.5 yards passing on 64.6% completions with 24 total touchdowns, and only five turnovers when playing against Washington.
Two matchups in the second half of the season in 2023 give Prescott the opportunity to expand on both the record and the numbers.
Seattle Seahawks
W/L record: 1-3 (1-0 in playoffs)
Last meeting: Cowboys 31, Seahawks 38
2023 matchup: Week 13
Dak Prescott has played against the Seattle Seahawks four times in his career, losing all three regular season games, and winning the lone playoff matchup.
The last time these two teams met, there were non-stop offensive fireworks in a game that saw the Cowboys and Seahawks combine for 69 points and 934 yards of offense.
The Seahawks pulled out the victory in the end with a Russell Wilson touchdown pass to D.K. Metcalf with under two minutes left.
Prescott couldn’t lead the game-tying drive, and Dallas flew home to Texas with a 1-2 record on the young season.
The only win Dak has versus Seattle is a home playoff win, which also happened to be the first playoff win of Prescott’s career.
The most memorable play of that game was Dak Prescott dropping back to pass on 3rd & 14 late in the 4th quarter nursing a three point lead.
With no open receivers, Prescott took the ball into his own hands, scrambling up the middle for 17 yards and a 1st down.
That classic play in Cowboys playoff history spawned this iconic image:
As Dak dove for the endzone, he was flipped heels over head, coming up just short of the goal line.
He would then punch it in from a yard out on the next play, putting Dallas up by 10 with less than two minutes left, and cementing his first playoff victory.
The Seahawks look to be a formidable opponent in Week 13 of this season.
Buffalo Bills
W/L record: 0-1
Last meeting: Cowboys 15, Bills 26
2023 matchup: Week 15
Dak has had only one shot versus the Bills, and it ended up in yet another loss on Thanksgiving.
Dak and the offense jumped out to a quick start, driving down the field for a touchdown on their opening possession.
It all fell apart after that. The defense allowed the Bills to score 26 straight points to take a commanding 19 point lead late in the 4th quarter.
This season’s matchup should be a fun one to watch. Both offenses have firepower to will themselves into the endzone in what should be a high-scoring game.
Bills’ QB Josh Allen is a weapon himself, but is also blessed with a wide receiver corps of Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis to go along with rookie 1st round pick TE Dalton Kincaid.
Playing in late December, this game has the potential to turn into a defensive battle depending on the weather.
In that aspect, Dallas clearly has the edge. The Week 15 matchup will surely be one to watch.
Miami Dolphins
W/L record: 1-0
Last meeting: Cowboys 31, Dolphins 6
2023 matchup: Week 16
While Prescott lost his only attempt against fellow AFC East team Buffalo, he emerged victorious in his only attempt versus Miami.
It was a sound defeat. The 25 point home win was highlighted by 235 yards rushing from Dallas.
Prescott will have to be on his A-game for this Week 16 matchup in South Florida. This is not the same Dolphins team from 2019.
Miami has a new head coach. Mike McDaniels is from the Shanahan tree, and now possesses one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
With Tua Tagovailoa leading the attack, the Dolphins’ offense is all about speed.
McDaniels deploys speed demons Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, and rookie Devon Achane. Make no mistake, this offense will put up points.
It will be up to Dak Prescott and his own weapons to keep pace, and try to move to 2-0 vs Miami.
Detroit Lions
W/L record: 4-0
Last meeting: Cowboys 24, Lions 6
2023 matchup: Week 17
Dak Prescott has faced the Detroit Lions four times, and has emerged victorious on all four occasions.
This Week 17 matchup will be a challenge. The Lions are an opponent on the rise under third year Head Coach Dan Campbell.
Detroit finished 9-8 in 2022, but they won eight of their last 10 games. They even ended the playoff hopes of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers, sending Rodgers packing to the New York Jets.
The Lions like to play smashmouth football, but with the speed they have acquired in the past couple of seasons, they are also equipped to challenge the edges.
During the draft, Detroit traded away RB D’Andre Swift to the Eagles after using the 12th overall pick on explosive RB Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama.
WR Jameson Williams, also drafted out of Alabama, can stretch the field along with the best wide receivers in the game.
This game can be a defensive battle or an offensive shootout. The excitement is the anticipation of which type of game we will see.