3 Cowboys players that need big performances against the 49ers
![Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts with Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Jan 16, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts with Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Smith (73) before the wild card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-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-2F2018-2F08-2F19803125-850x560-73acaa8684ec14c0701969c426c24ec6e01d31380c6855755de83c72053af168.jpg)
1. Dak Prescott
Prescott silenced the doubters last week after his career-best performance. He threw for 305 yards, four touchdowns, and ran for another in a 31-14 blowout in Tampa. However, all that can get swept under the rug this week if the Cowboys quarterback struggles.
Prescott is going to have to carry that momentum from last game into Sunday’s clash against the 49ers. San Francisco’s defense is no joke and has one of the best defenses in the National Football League.
So the Cowboys’ offense will need to be at its best and that includes Prescott. Kellen Moore dialed up a fantastic game plan on Monday and that has to also continue for Dallas to secure the upset win.
If Prescott can replicate his play on Monday into the divisional game against the 49ers, the Cowboys can leave San Francisco with a victory.
DAK MAKING THIS HIS PLAYOFF MOMENT.
— NFL (@NFL) January 17, 2023
📺: #DALvsTB on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/HABicMhZeY pic.twitter.com/bblLN8L2JI
Last season in the Wild Card game, the team scored just 17 points against the 49ers. Prescott threw for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception and the running game combined for just 77 yards. CeeDee Lamb also had just one catch in the contest.
Look for things to be different in this one and that starts with Prescott. If he can light it up through the air, the Cowboys can be in a good position on Sunday.