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NFL·PREVIEW·September 17, 2026 07:45 PM ET

Prescott says run game must lead Cowboys on Sunday

Dallas opened 2026 with a 28-20 loss.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 171 min read
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The Cowboys ultimately believed Dan Quinn defenses couldn’t stop the run against quality opponents. Seems that would be

What happened: Dak Prescott said the run game has to start the Cowboys' offense because it opens up play action. The point tracks with Dallas' view that Dan Quinn-led defenses struggled to stop quality rushing attacks and that Sunday's approach should reflect that.

Why it matters: Dallas is trying to settle the offense after a 28-20 opening loss dropped the Cowboys to 0-1. A steadier ground game would give Prescott cleaner play-action looks after an opener in which Dallas scored 20 points.

By the numbers: Prescott is 6-0 following a Week 1 loss, according to recent Cowboys context. Dallas opened the season with 20 points scored and 28 allowed.

What to watch: Sunday will show whether Dallas turns the emphasis into early rushing volume or leans back on Prescott right away. How often the Cowboys get to play action should be an early indicator.

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