It may have been one of the best nights in Dak Prescott's NFL career, but it was one to forget for kicker Brett Maher.
The Dallas Cowboys kicker made NFL history for the wrong reasons on Monday as his four missed extra points was a league first. Maher became the first player to miss four PATs in a regular-season or postseason game since the statistic was first tracked back in 1932.
Thankfully, it didn't matter as the Cowboys cruised past Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a 31-14 win, but it could have been disastrous. But Prescott has sided with Maher after he received criticism, claiming that he's a huge fan of his, and it was him that played "s***" the week before.
Maher missed more kicks on Monday night than he did all season for the Cowboys, but they won't get away with another performance like that in the playoffs. Maher looked relieved when he converted on his fifth effort on the night, but Prescott has rushed to his defence.
"Yeah I mean, I'm money Maher's biggest fan," Prescott said after the win against the Buccaneers. "I talked to him individually after the game and just told him to let that go, we're gonna need it.
"I just played like s*** a week ago so that happens. Knowing what that guy's done, with his resiliency he's shown throughout his career, personally there's not doubt he will come back next week and be perfect."
The Cowboys will need it too, as they face a red-hot San Francisco 49ers side who scored 41 points against Seattle Seahawks on Saturday. It was the most points scored by any team over Wild Card Weekend, and they're ready for the fight.
The 49ers have become the dark horses this season, and fully believe that they will make the Super Bowl and triumph in the NFC. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones even said that it's 'daunting' knowing that they'll face them in the next round.
"I know that I think we’re pretty healthy coming to it last night," Jones said to 103.5 The Fan radio. "If that is the case that we are as healthy as I think we are, then we got a great opportunity here. San Francisco is a daunting task."
Prescott starred on Monday night, arguably delivering his best performance yet with four passing touchdowns, 305 passing yards and even a brilliant rushing touchdown of his own. But the 49ers have one of the best ranked defences in the NFL, so they'll need every extra point they can get.
