Cowboys QB Dak Prescott Praised for ‘MVP Caliber’ Play in Loss
While the Dallas Cowboys spend another week wondering and worrying over whether their defense might eventually cost them a playoff spot, they already have a firm grasp of what they need to keep them in the playoff hunt.
That is: Let Dak Cook.
Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott continued playing some of the best football of his career in a 30-27 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 and earned another “A” weekly grade for his play from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski.
Prescott was 25 of 34 passing for 261 yards and three touchdowns against the Panthers as Dallas dropped to 2-3-1.
The Cowboys have a huge home game in Week 7 against their NFC East rival Washington Commanders, who are 3-3 after losing to the Chicago Bears in Week 6.
“Dak Prescott can only do so much,” Sobleski wrote on October 14. “The Dallas Cowboys field an elite offense. But they can’t help when opponents run roughshod over the team’s sieve-like defense … Prescott is playing at an MVP-caliber level, yet Dallas is 2-3-1. A quarterback can’t do it all.”
Help Could Be On The Way For Cowboys
It’s hard to imagine the Cowboys losing to the Panthers with just one more player on the roster … if that player was NFL All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Lamb has missed the last 3 games with a high ankle sprain and there’s a possibility he could return against the Commanders along with fellow wide receiver/NFL All-Pro return specialist Kavontae Turpin and 2025 first round pick and offensive guard Tyler Booker.
That’s a ton of elite talent headed back to the field.
“It would be totally game changing to get Lamb back, plus Booker and Turpin,” Heavy.com’s Anne Erickson wrote on October 13. “The Washington Commanders are no joke, so having a healthy Cowboys team ready to take them on would make all the difference.”
There’s also the possibility of getting help via a trade — almost certainly for a defensive starter. The Cowboys could probably most use help at edge rusher, although outside of the interior defensive line they could use a big move anywhere.
Figuring Out Prescott’s NFL MVP Chances
The Cowboys need more MVP level play from Prescott if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
While Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield seems like the hands down NFL MVP if the voting took place today, Prescott shouldheavy be far behind.
Vegas oddsmakers might disagree — Prescott’s MVP odds were stuck at +4000 almost across the board at VegasInsider.com, with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes the new favorite (+200) and just ahead of reigning NFL MVP and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (+275) on October 14. Mayfield wasn’t far behind (+350).
Prescott has actually come close to winning NFL MVP in the past. He was the runner-up to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2023 after he led the Cowboys to a 12-5 record.
That year, Prescott also was named NFL All-Pro for the only time in his decade long career as he threw for 4,516 yards, a career high 36 touchdowns and 9 interceptions while completing 69.5 percent of his passes.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones
The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.
