Dak Prescott has had the Philadelphia Eagles on his mind for weeks. The Cowboys quarterback said he began looking at Philadelphia film almost a month before the actual game, which will kickoff the 2025 NFL season on Thursday, September 4.
“Probably second preseason game…started watching just some Philly tape whether it had been their playoff run last year or a couple of the games against us. Started that back a while back,” Prescott said.
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Adding that he is eager to turn the page from training camp and get into the season, “It’s been a while since being out there, but a lot went into it getting back on the field. A lot went into this off season… feeling good about closing the book on training camp and moving forward and making this thing all about Philly and getting the ball rolling. Super excited.”
Prescott said the preparation he puts in allows him to feel ready without preseason snaps. He treats practice as a direct extension of game work. “I treat every rep pretty much out there at practice like it’s a game rep. There’s times of trying to make this throw that I may check down in game, but other than that it’s the same process. It’s the same checks, fundamentals, so it’s just about making sure I do it right at practice, so… it’s nothing new.”
As for how Dallas can improve offensively, Prescott pointed to health, balance, and identity. “I mean, comparing last year, I plan to be healthy, and I think that helps a good bit of it. And then just being able to stay balanced… having the resilience of just standing in it, staying in the fight, staying true to our…identity.”
Prescott was pointing to the importance of the Cowboys staying committed to their overall approach on offense. Instead of abandoning the run when it isn’t working or forcing the passing game when timing is off, he wants the group to maintain balance and trust the system. The identity, in his view, comes from resilience, sticking with the plan, adjusting within it, and not panicking just because one part of the game isn’t producing early results.
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That message about health resonates beyond Prescott. Injuries to him, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, DeMarcus Lawrence, DaRon Bland, and Brandin Cooks made 2024 a year defined by attrition. A healthier roster in 2025 may be as important as any schematic tweak.
Facing the defending champs on the road will draw plenty of outside attention, but Prescott said the team’s mindset will be inward. “Much respect and credit to them, but the emotions will just be about this team, 2025, and us starting the right way.”
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott already studying Eagles, stresses identity