The Dallas Cowboys' season opener was a bitter pill to swallow, especially with the rival New York Giants walking away with a win. Now, with the Washington Commanders looming, the pressure is already mounting. Quarterback Dak Prescott, however, is asking for patience—and a little faith.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Prescott acknowledged the frustration simmering among the fan base but made it clear he believes in the team's long-term trajectory. "It's a long season," he said. "I love our fans, but I don't necessarily feel like I need to speak to that fan. Sorry for them. If they're a real fan, they'll stick with it. They'll trust it. They'll believe in it. And at the end of the day, it is one game. Yeah, it sucks, it's the first game."
Prescott didn't shy away from the sting of the 0-1 start, either. "Nobody's more pissed than myself and these guys in here," he added. "We didn't want to start 0-1. We're as excited as any fan out there about the offseason and things we've done in training camp. So, turn that energy and come to the game this Sunday and be as loud as you can. We appreciate it."
But his comments struck a nerve with a segment of the Cowboys faithful who have endured decades of near-misses. Many pointed out that Prescott—now in his tenth season—has yet to deliver a trip to the NFC Championship Game, let alone a Super Bowl. The idea of being lectured about loyalty by a quarterback who has been part of that drought didn't sit well.
One fan vented on social media, "Lol dak, we sticking, no doubt about it. But asking us to blindly believe is rubbish. We been believing for 30 years, big boy. It gets to a point where i cant fool my mind that has been deeply traumatized by past experiences. I got you, but imma need to see more."
Another echoed the sentiment, writing, "We have given this team years of time, money and loyalty. Questioning if they're 'real fans' is bonkers." A third added, "I love you Dak, I fight with guys for you and kind of agree on it. But at the same time you guys have been pissed off the last 3 years for getting embarrassed, nothing has changed. Not ur fault but fans have the right to feel however they want too. We need to see it ON THE FIELD."
The backlash even reached those who've been around since before Prescott was born. "He is like a broken record. The same nonsense every year. Now he is the gatekeeper on fans? What exactly has this guy won in 10 years? I've been following this team for more than 50 years so I'll decide how I'm going to support my team."
It's a delicate situation for Dallas, which now faces a must-win scenario against Washington. The calls for a blockbuster trade are getting louder, and head coach Brian Schottenheimer has already shouldered the blame for the team's flat performance. Meanwhile, the Giants are basking in the glow of their Sunday night ratings bonanza, and their defensive star Brian Burns has already warned Dallas about a glaring weakness.
Prescott's challenge to the fans might have been well-intentioned, but questioning loyalty is a dangerous game in a city where patience has worn thin. If he wants to silence the critics—and the doubters—he'll need to deliver a performance for the ages against Washington. Otherwise, the noise will only get louder.
