DALLAS – Andy Dalton knows that’s why he signed with the Dallas Cowboys … in case Dak Prescott ever missed and had to compete.
Dalton admitted that he and his offense, in general, played their fullest game of the season; the one that keeps them alive in their postseason aspirations for math, despite all the trouble the Cowboys have had, on and off the field.
The Cowboys defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 37-17 last Sunday with 377 yards and three touchdown passes from Dalton and 151 yards in a hurry, led by Ezekiel Elliott 105
“From the first day I got here I told (the press) that I was coming to Dallas, in case they would ever need me to come and play Dak and that I would prepare to never try to help this team. to win games, ”Dalton said. “Unfortunately, I also told them that if he played it was for the wrong reasons, such as Dak’s injury.”
Prescott has been injured all season of Game 5. Since then, four defenders have started games for the Cowboys as Dalton suffered a concussion on his first start, followed by a Covid contagion.
He played in eight games, in which the Cowboys are 4-4, including three consecutive wins, bringing them a single win on Sunday and a loss to Washington against the Philadelphia Eagles, from qualifying in the postseason as league champions. Eastern Division of the National Conference.
“It means a lot to me,” Dalton admitted. “I want to help lead this team and do everything I can to win. The way I have played in the last three weeks is a satisfaction. We talk about impulse and that’s what we brought. “
“It all starts with a victory and then takes that momentum to win the second and now there are three,” he added. “We have another chance and we have to take advantage of it.”
On Sunday, Dalton delivered the ball to his first three receivers, as expected, since they drafted CeeDee Lamb in the first round of the draft.
Michael Gallup had six receptions, Amari Cooper, four; Lamb, three, and Dalton Schultz, three. The first two managed the same 121 meters, and Lamb 65.
“With the talent we have among the receivers, I feel we can do anything,” he said. “I looked good, thanks to the good protection of the line and I performed well.”
Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy, said that Dalton’s main virtue was to release the ball on pace, on time and with good readings from the opposing defense.
“He realized he could have some advantages in matches outside his receivers,” McCarthy explained. “I think he was very patient. They (Eagles) have a good front line, but Andy read that well. “
“I think we have been extremely effective in the crime,” he added. “We’re doing a good job protecting the ball and we’re going to need it next week.”
In a season far below Cowboys’ expectations, Dalton believes there is still something to recover if they advance to the playoffs.
“It’s a long season,” he said. “We have gone through very difficult periods this season. But at the end of the day, we play our best football in December and head for January. “
“We know we have to finish our work and see how the rest develops,” he added. “I did my best to get to this point. We have another big game next week. And we will see what happens … ”.
Another motivation for Dalton is that if the Cowboys advance to the playoffs, he will receive an additional million in salary as part of the deal he signed for one season.