Cowboys’ Prescott humbled in 2nd year
Now that Dak Prescott knows how the other half lives in the NFL, the Dallas quarterback can see where it was easy to think every season would be like his remarkable rookie year.
Missing the playoffs just wasn’t much of a thought after an NFC-best 13 wins — until the Cowboys lost a postseason elimination game to Seattle and suddenly have only a winning record to play for going into the season finale Sunday at Philadelphia.
“It makes me respect this league, the game, the preparation and everything it takes to be great in this league so much more,” Prescott said after a 21-12 loss Sunday to the Seahawks.
“Having a first year like I did, I think you almost want to take things for granted. And then you come in the second year and a lot of things go against you and it’s tough.”
On the field and off, Prescott went on to say — an acknowledgment that running back and fellow rookie star Ezekiel Elliott’s sixgame suspension over domestic violence allegations was high on the list of what went wrong for Dallas (8-7).
Elliott returned against the Seahawks, but many of the things that plagued Prescott without him continued. He made poor decisions and poor throws, things he mostly avoided while setting an NFL rookie record for passer rating last season.
Jaguars
Jacksonville lost another receiver for the season. Jaelen Strong said Monday he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at San Francisco. Strong announced the news in two Instagram posts, saying “this lil setback setting me up for a greater comeback.” Strong caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown in a 44-33 loss to the49ers. It was his debut with the team. The Jaguars (10-5) claimed Strong off waivers from Houston early in the season, and he spent the previous five weeks on the practice squad before getting called up because of injuries. His first reception went for a 5-yard score, but he was hurt late in the game. Jacksonville already has Allen Robinson (knee) and Rashad Greene (back) on season-ending injured reserve. Allen Hurns missed his sixth consecutive game because of a high-ankle sprain, and leading receiver Marqise Lee sat out Sunday withan ankle injury.
Monday night
Jake Elliott converted a 48yard field goal with 27 seconds left then Philadelphia scored on a fumble recovery to cap a 19-10 victory against visiting Oakaldnd. Left guard Steven Wisniewski was inactive against the Oakland Raiders, forcing the NFC East Division champions to start another backup (Chance Warmack) on the left side.