Dak Prescott Admits Cowboys Defensive Failings ‘Frustrating’ After Week 6 Loss
(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers in the game at Bank of America Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
For the Cowboys, the story of the 2025 season continues to unfold in a familiar fashion, with the team playing good, clean offense–they’ve gone three weeks without a turnover–combined with poor defense, a mix that give them a chance to keep up with anybody in the league, and to lose to anybody in the league. When asked, after the Cowboys’ 30-27 loss to the Panthers in Week 6, whether the notion that the Cowboys need to be perfect offensively to win is getting “demoralizing,” star quarterback Dak Prescott would not go quite that far.
Frustrating, though? He granted that.
“I wouldn’t say it’s demoralizing, but I would definitely say it’s frustrating,” Prescott said. “Right, like even the last time we had the ball, probably not our best series of the game right there other than the three-and-out to start the game off. At a crucial point like that, we just can’t do that. On top of that, that being the last time we touched the ball. It makes it frustrating.”
Cowboys Could Not Get Panthers Off the Field
Indeed, the Cowboys took a 24-20 lead into the final quarter after Prescott found George Pickens for a touchdown late in the third. But the Cowboys D allowed a 10-play drive for a Carolina touchdown to follow that and retake the lead.
Prescott drove Dallas down to the Panthers’ 8-yard line for a first-and-goal, but a botched snap and two incompletes led to a field goal that tied it at 27-27.
But two things frustrated Prescott most. The offense got the ball back in great field position (their own 46) with 8:18 to play, but Dallas went three-and-out and punted. Despite starting on their own 14 with 6:07 to go, the Panthers methodically chewed the clock with a 16-play drive that led to the game-winning 33-yard field goal as time expired.
Dak Prescott: ‘That’s the NFL’
The fact that the Cowboys were unable to get the ball back and allowed the Panthers to control such a critical part of the game says a lot about where the defense rates at this point of the season.
“That’s the NFL,” Prescott said. “You trust that the guys are going to get a stop. Unfortunately, we had a PI call on third down and after that, they ate the clock up, kept running the ball. And did a good job. They won the fourth quarter, and that’s the NFL.”
At 2-3-1, the Cowboys can take some comfort in the notion that only one of their three losses has been a blowout, when they lost, 31-14, in Week 3 to the Bears. Other than that, it’s been a four-point loss to the Eagles and the field-goal loss to Carolina.
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)Ryan Fitzgerald #10 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammates after kicking the game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys.
Cowboys Need to Break Through With Wins
But Prescott says they’re going to need to stop leaning on that close-but-no-cigar routine.
“We got a good team that’s grimy. We gotta find a way to win these games,” Prescott said. “That’s the missing chink in the armor right now, whether it’s the tied game or this game, we have got to find ways to win games. If we do that, we feel a whole lot different in the locker room.
“The reality is, is the team different (when it wins or loses close games)? Not really. But you feel a lot better, you’re taking confidence, and you get that confidence, that allows you to feel more confident at the end of games, knowing I guess you could say and believing you can pull it out.”
Hailee Steinfeld Opens Up About Josh Allen's Struggles, Gaining Support From Bills Nation
In an emotional statement that has captured the attention of both fans and sports media alike, Hailee Steinfeld, wife of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, has spoken out to explain the personal struggles her husband has been quietly facing ahead of the Bills' recent heartbreaking defeat.
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The defeat, which left Bills fans devastated, came after a game in which Allen was uncharacteristically subdued on the field. Despite his typically strong leadership, Allen struggled to execute his usual brilliance in the game, leaving many to wonder what was behind his uncharacteristic performance. Hailee’s emotional plea has shed light on the matter and revealed that there is more to Josh Allen’s struggle than what was visible on the sidelines.
“Please try to understand my husband,” Steinfeld began, her voice filled with emotion, in a statement that has since been shared widely on social media. “Josh has been quietly battling something serious that has affected his ability to fully concentrate. This loss isn’t just about the game—it’s about something deeper, something that has been weighing on him for some time."
The revelation has sparked an outpouring of support for Allen from fans, teammates, and the sports community. Steinfeld’s words have brought a level of compassion and understanding to a situation that was previously left unexplained. While the details of Allen’s struggle remain private, Steinfeld’s candid explanation paints a picture of a man who, despite being at the center of the NFL spotlight, is still very much human—dealing with challenges beyond football.
The timing of Steinfeld’s message has had a profound effect, not only offering insight into Allen’s mindset but also reminding fans that athletes are often battling personal demons that can impact their performance. It’s a vulnerability that resonates deeply with fans who have stood behind Allen throughout his career.
Bills fans, known for their passionate support, have rallied around Allen in the wake of this revelation, with many taking to social media to express their unwavering loyalty and compassion.
Allen, who has been a leader for the Bills and one of the brightest quarterbacks in the NFL, now finds himself in a different spotlight—one of empathy and support. As the season progresses, it remains to be seen how this personal struggle may continue to impact his play, but Steinfeld’s statement has certainly reminded fans of the importance of compassion and understanding in the world of sports.
As for the Bills, their playoff aspirations still stand, and with their franchise quarterback working through personal difficulties, it’s clear that this team’s resolve will be tested not just on the field, but in the hearts of their supporters as well.
