Fresh off winning their fourth consecutive game, quarterback Dak Prescott and the 9-3 Cowboys continue to search for their respect around NFL circles.
On Friday's episode of ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith questioned Dallas’ potential playoff success while also calling every team the surging Cowboys have beaten at home this season as “scrubs."
"What I am pointing to is not just the road, but the level of competition that they went against on the road and the level of competition that is going to be waiting for them come playoff time,” said Smith. “The scrubs that they beat at AT&T Stadium with Dak Prescott dropping back into the pocket, ordering hot dogs, calling his honey, telling her what time he'll be home and all of this other stuff before you even throw a damn pass.
"That ain't the conditions that are going to be waiting come playoff time."
“The scrubs that they beat at AT&T Stadium … that ain’t the conditions that’s going to be waiting for him come playoff time.”@stephenasmith had a lot to say about the Cowboys level of competition 😅 pic.twitter.com/EuVJ66lVRA
— First Take (@FirstTake) December 1, 2023
The Cowboys' chances of making a deep postseason run are enhanced by Prescott's level of play over the last several months. The star signal-caller, who has thrown 20 touchdown passes over the last six games, has emerged as a serious contender for NFL MVP honors.
In addition, receiver CeeDee Lamb—on pace for career highs in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns—makes the Cowboys' offense a force to be reckoned with as the team aims to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in Las Vegas in February.
Despite the fact the Cowboys earned their first win of the season over a team with a .500 record or better on Thursday night, Dallas will have to continue to fight for respect in NFL debates—especially when it comes to longtime nemesis Smith.
