Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys’ star quarterback, has been a central figure in the NFL since he entered the league in 2016. Prescott, regarded as a good leader on and off the field and levels nothing back in athletic ability or poise under pressure, has always kept his team playing for something, no matter their record. However, his playoff performances have become a subject of much discussion. In this blog, let’s look into Dak Prescott’s playoff records, high-profile performances, how many wins he has to his name, and the narrative surrounding his postseason career.
Early Career and Playoff Debut
When Dak Prescott was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he was viewed as a project. But alas, fate decided otherwise—an injury to then-Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo during the preseason forced Prescott into starting work. Despite being a rookie, Prescott seized the opportunity, leading the Cowboys to an impressive 13-3 regular-season record and earning the top seed in the NFC.
2016 Playoff Run: First Playoff Appearance
Prescott’s first career playoff game came in his rookie season, against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round. In matching up against the Pro Bowl QB Aaron Rodgers, Dak exhibited a poise and toughness that enabled him to help bring us back from a 21-3 hole in this game, only for it to end as other Cowboys/Packers playoff meetings have (31–31). This happened in a game that unfortunately ended with the Packers kicking a last-second field goal.
- Game: Cowboys vs. Packers (Divisional Round)
- Outcome: Loss (34-31)
- Prescott’s Stats: 24/38, 302 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Dallas may have lost, but it was made clear that Prescott could perform at the highest level and on a big stage—a solid three touchdowns and 302 yards from him, even as a rookie quarterback.
2018 Playoff Run: First Playoff Win
Prescott bounced back from a tough 2017 season that saw him miss the playoffs to have one of the better seasons for an NFL quarterback in 2018. He helped the Cowboys to a 10-6 regular season and an NFC East title. This was Prescott’s second playoff appearance and the Cowboys’ first postseason win in his career.
2018 Wild Card Round: Cowboys vs. Seattle Seahawks
Prescott also played a role in this win against the Seattle Seahawks. He passed for 226 yards and converted a key third-and-14 with a situational run of his own in the fourth quarter to help seal that victory. His rushing touchdown was the best blast of the game.
- Outcome: Win (24-22)
- Prescott’s Stats: 22/33, 226 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, one rushing TD
Prescott displayed his dual-threat skills (running and passing) and played with great poise throughout the game.
2018 Divisional Round: Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Rams
Rolling off the success of their Wild Card win, Dallas took on the Los Angeles Rams next. Despite a valiant effort by Prescott, who scored another rushing touchdown, the Cowboys proved to be no match for one of the power running games in recent memory. Their loss ended Dallas’ playoff chances for that season.
- Outcome: Loss (30-22)
- Prescott’s Stats: 20/32, 266 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
While Prescott played well, the Rams rode their unrelenting ground game behind Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson to a win in freezing temperatures at Memorial Coliseum.
2021 Playoff Run: A Disappointing End
In 2020, Prescott sustained a season-ending injury, but he returned in full force the following year by leading the Cowboys to an NFC East title with their record of 12-5. Dallas then went into the playoffs with high hopes of facing The San Francisco 49ers in the Wild Card. However, this game ended on a sour note for both Prescott and the Cowboys faithful.
2021 Wild Card Round: Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Cowboys struggled with inconsistency and frustration in the game. Prescott couldn’t get much going early, and a string of penalties and suboptimal playcalling held back the Dallas offense. Prescott scrambled for the end zone as time expired, but he could not get off a last-second shot.
- Outcome: Loss (23-17)
- Prescott’s Stats: 23/43, 254 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD
These five plays effortlessly summarize the kind of night it was for the Cowboys. This team found itself looking up at an 0-1 record despite Dak Prescott throwing over 40 times for more yardage than his opponent and also scoring one rushing TD.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Prescott flashed some of his ability, but he could not surmount a 49ers defense that did enough to escape Jerry World.
2022 Playoff Run: Redemption Against Tom Brady
After anchoring a 12-5 regular season, Prescott and the Cowboys found themselves in prime position for their Wild Card battle against Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was one of the finest performances in Prescott’s playoff career, and this game could go down as a milestone for him.
2022 Wild Card Round: Cowboys vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
And Prescott was damn near perfect against the Bucs as he went over 300 yards passing and threw four touchdowns with a rushing TD for added value. The Cowboys controlled the Buccaneers from wire to wire, handing Brady his first-ever playoff loss against Dallas.
- Outcome: Win (31-14)
- Prescott’s Stats: 25/33, 305 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 rushing TD
For Prescott, this win means more than most – and not just because it finally mutes a good part of the criticism that has dogged him since his first playoff appearance.
2022 Divisional Round: Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers
Nonetheless, for the second straight year, Prescott’s playoff trek ended in the Divisional Round, as San Francisco took out Dallas. But they could ultimately not beat an incredibly stout 49ers defensive effort, which included two key interceptions from Prescott.
- Outcome: Loss (19-12)
- Prescott’s Stats: 23/37, 206 passing yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
It was the exact spot where Dallas lost in 2018, and Prescott’s playoff record fell to 2-4.
Statistical Analysis
Prescott has won two and lost five playoff games, ranking 48th among quarterbacks with over 160 passes in their first eight seasons. In regular seasons, he boasts 73 wins and a 67.0% completion rate. But in playoffs, his stats show he needs to improve, with 202 touchdowns and 74 interceptions. He’s faced seven interceptions and many sacks in these games.
Game | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Passer Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wild Card vs Seahawks | 226 | 1 | 0 | N/A |
Divisional vs Buccaneers (2023) | 305 | 4 | 0 | 143.3 |
Loss vs Unknown Opponent | 180 | 1 | 2 | 68.4 |
Loss vs Unknown Opponent | 150 | 0 | 1 | 65.0 |
How Many Playoff Wins Does Dak Prescott Have?
As of the 2023 NFL season, Dak Prescott has secured 2 playoff wins.
His initial postseason victory was in the 2018 Wild Card Round versus the Seattle Seahawks.
Jones earned his second career playoff win two weeks ago in a Wild Card Round upset against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Although Prescott led DAL to those two wins, he needs some playoff success and, ultimately, a Super Bowl appearance.
Dak Prescott’s Playoff Performance Overview
Dak Prescott’s playoff career has been a mix of promise and frustration. While his regular-season performances have been consistent and often spectacular, the playoffs have posed greater challenges. His best playoff performances have come when he effectively utilized his passing and rushing abilities, particularly in must-win situations.
Eventually, the difference-maker for Prescott in terms of his postseason success will be not making those critical mistakes and delivering when it matters most on some level with consistency to keep Dallas in or win these big games.
Dak Prescott has the talent and leadership qualities to be one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. However, the quarterback is still the one position where playoff success means everything. That rings even more true for a team like Dallas, where playoff expectations are generally through the roof.
With his current playoff record of 2-4, Prescott is still working toward becoming a more consistent force in the postseason. As his career continues, the question remains: Can he lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl? Of course, that’s what Cowboys fans are hoping for while also wanting Prescott to eventually deliver the deep playoff run this franchise has been craving forever.
FAQs on Dak Prescott Playoff Records
What is Dak Prescott’s overall playoff record?
Dak Prescott’s overall playoff record is 2-5. He has played in seven NFL playoff games with the Dallas Cowboys.
How many playoff wins does Dak Prescott have?
Dak Prescott has won two playoff games. He beat the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023.
What are some notable performances by Dak Prescott in the playoffs?
Dak Prescott has made some memorable playoff appearances. He won his first Wild Card game against the Seahawks with 226 passing yards and a touchdown. His game against the Buccaneers in 2023 was also standout, with 305 yards and four touchdowns.
How do Dak Prescott’s playoff statistics compare to other quarterbacks?
Dak Prescott has thrown for 1,962 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in the playoffs. His completion rate is 64.5%. His stats are similar to those of other successful quarterbacks early in their careers.
What challenges has Dak Prescott faced in the playoffs?
Prescott has faced challenges like inconsistent play in key moments. He has a passer rating under 70 in two games. He’s also dealt with a lot of defensive pressure, leading to seven interceptions and 15 sacks.
What does the future hold for Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys?
Dak Prescott’s contract ends after the 2024 season. His upcoming games will be key for his career and the Cowboys’ chances in the playoffs.
How does Dak Prescott’s postseason performance impact his legacy?
Prescott’s playoff performance is a big part of his legacy with the Cowboys. It shows his strong stats and the need for better performance in high-pressure situations to be considered elite.