Cowboys Week 18 studs and duds: Dak Prescott, Dallas offense limp into playoffs
By Randy Gurzi
![Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles as Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Jan 8, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles as Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99) rushes during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fthelandryhat-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F19750261-850x560-747810b32e736011e984d4d6725fb7e68d203e05c49698563747b8d65fa8f96e.jpg)
Stud: Malik Hooker, Safety
Even though the Commanders scored 26 points, Dallas’ defense wasn’t terrible. They held Sam Howell to 169 yards and sacked him three times. They also made some key stops early when they were put in bad situations.
There was also a huge play from Malik Hooker that kept it from being an even more lopsided score. Up 7-0, Howell threw it to Cam Sims in the end zone but Hooker jumped in front of him and picked off the pass, taking points off the board. It wasn’t enough to help the struggling offense win, but he did his part.
Dud: Dak Prescott, Quarterback
We can try and blame everyone else for the high interception total this season, but Dak Prescott was guilty on Sunday as he threw a pick-six to Kendall Fuller in the first half. It was his seventh game in a row with an interception, which is the longest streak for Dallas since Vinny Testaverde had nine in 2004.
What’s worse is Prescott really threw the pick twice. After Fuller dropped one, he went right back after him on the very next play and this time, Fuller made him pay.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1612211572453314561?s=20&t=iHIqsyGJKtjsXkbpy4Sbxg
Prescott was sloppy in this one as the Cowboys hoped to get some momentum going for them heading into the playoffs. That didn’t happen as he was 14-for-37 with 128 yards with a touchdown and a pick.
Prescott led seven three-and-outs and had another drive end on three plays when he threw his pick. He’s played great for most of the season but will need to find some motivation heading into Tamp Bay next weekend.