The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 season with high expectations and much of the pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott. Former NFL QB Steve Beuerlein warned that this season could be a pivotal one for both the veteran signal-caller and the Cowboys.

NFL analyst Steve Beuerlein, during an interview with PFSN, suggested that Prescott should view this season as one of his last opportunities to make a deep playoff run.

“At this point in Dak’s career, who knows how many years he’s got left, but he’s obviously still playing at a high level,” Beuerlein said, per Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “He has got to step up and really go into this season saying, ‘This is our chance; nobody can say that we’re not trying to get better defensively.”

Beuerlein believes that 2026 is different, as the Cowboys made significant additions with Rashan Gary, Quinnen Williams, and Caleb Downs, giving the Cowboys the talent to compete with any team in the league this season

Prescott recorded 4,552 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over 17 games, achieving a 67.3% completion rate and a 99.5 passer rating in 2025.

However, the Cowboys finished 7-9-1 in 2025, marking their second consecutive season without a playoff appearance.

Beuerlein also believes that Prescott has all the surrounding pieces to lead the team to the playoffs this season with George Pickens, CeeDee Lamb, and Javonte Williams.

He further pointed out Prescott’s history in the playoffs. 

"His history in the playoffs [2-5], he really hasn't proven himself as a guy that can win those games,” Beuerlein said. "You're never going to have your best game every week, but you've got to be able to step up and win those games you have a chance to win." 

With Prescott entering his 11th season in the NFL, the pressure is no longer about putting up numbers; it's about winning in the NFL postseason.

Emmitt Smith Drops Take on Dak Prescott-Led Cowboys

Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith recently shared his thoughts on Prescott and the offensive unit, highlighting that it requires a coordinated team and coaching personnel effort to lead the team in winning the games.

“I think having Dak Prescott as a Dallas Cowboys quarterback is the best thing that the Cowboys have done since Tony Romo left,” Smith said, per DJ Siddiqi of Action Network. “I would just say to everyone that says Dak has not won the big one—well h***, the Cowboys haven’t been in the big one. He cannot win it all by himself."

Smith believes that the present balance in the team, with Brian Schottenheimer as the head coach, is the right system for Prescott and the offensive team.

If the Cowboys could maintain such a balanced offense, the pressure would be off Prescott, thereby creating more opportunities for the passing game, ultimately leading to a Super Bowl run.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi