The Dallas Cowboys are set to continue their Thanksgiving Day tradition with a game against the New York Giants on Thursday. Dallas is coming off an important win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday, a victory that snapped a difficult five-game losing streak. Despite the much-needed win, the Cowboys have faced numerous challenges this season, including the loss of their starting quarterback, Dak Prescott, to a season-ending torn hamstring.
Prescott’s injury, which occurred at a crucial juncture in the season, has significantly impacted the team’s fortunes. His absence leaves the Cowboys without their offensive leader, and the timing of the injury came just after Prescott received the most lucrative contract in NFL history.
The deal has sparked debate among analysts and former players about whether Prescott was worth such a substantial financial commitment.
One former Cowboys head coach who hasn’t been shy about sharing his opinion on the matter is Hall of Famer and current FOX Sports analyst Jimmy Johnson. Johnson didn’t hold back when discussing Prescott’s new contract, making it clear that he disagreed with the decision to pay the quarterback so handsomely before the start of the season.
“I would never have given Prescott a new contract. I’d have let him play it out,” Johnson said during an appearance on “The Herd” with Colin Cowherd. “He’s the highest-paid player in the league, but he’s not the best player in the league.”
Johnson went on to discuss the financial challenges that the Cowboys now face due to Prescott’s massive contract. “They’re so financially strapped right now. I don’t know what they do,” he said. “They talk about changing coaches, but I don’t know if changing coaches is going to help them. Mike McCarthy is a good coach.”
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Johnson’s comments reflect the difficult position that the Cowboys find themselves in. Head coach Mike McCarthy’s future with the team is in question, but it may not be the coaching staff that is the primary issue. Instead, the team’s financial situation is a significant obstacle, with much of their salary cap tied up in Prescott’s contract for the next few years.
While the 2024 season hasn’t gone according to plan, there is no denying Prescott’s talent when healthy. Last season, Prescott was nearly named the league’s MVP, and his performance over the last several years has consistently placed him among the league leaders in several statistical categories.
However, the combination of his injury and the team’s struggles has led to uncertainty about whether the Cowboys can get back on track.
The Cowboys will look to establish a new winning streak and potentially salvage their season with a victory over the Giants on Thursday.
The matchup against their NFC East rivals provides an opportunity for Dallas to build momentum and keep their playoff hopes alive, albeit with a backup quarterback under center.
The Cowboys-Giants game is one of three Thanksgiving Day matchups that have become a beloved part of the NFL tradition. In addition to the Cowboys and Giants, fans will also be treated to a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, followed by a nightcap featuring the Green Bay Packers and the Miami Dolphins.
Thanksgiving Day has always been one of the most anticipated dates on the NFL calendar, and this year is no different.
Despite their struggles, the Cowboys remain a team with plenty of talent, and their game against the Giants will provide them with an opportunity to prove that they can overcome adversity and continue to fight for a playoff spot.
As the Cowboys prepare to take the field on Thursday, all eyes will be on how they respond to the challenges they’ve faced this season.
Whether they can rally around their current roster and coaching staff remains to be seen, but a win over the Giants would go a long way in restoring some confidence and setting the stage for a potential turnaround.
