The Dallas Cowboys QB Change: Is Week 11 the Start of a New Era?
As the Dallas Cowboys head into Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season, the murmurs and whispers about a potential quarterback change are growing louder. Amid a season of underwhelming performances and disappointing playoff predictions, fans and analysts alike are asking: Is it time for the Cowboys to make a change at the most important position on the field?
Dak Prescott: A Strong Starter, But Not Enough?
Dak Prescott, the face of the Cowboys since taking over as their starting quarterback in 2016, has had a polarizing career. From early successes that propelled him to national stardom to later seasons where inconsistencies have haunted him, Prescott’s time in Dallas has been a roller coaster. This season, with the Cowboys hovering around the playoff bubble and Prescott’s performances varying from solid to frustrating, the calls for a change have only grown louder.
While Prescott is undoubtedly a talented quarterback with a strong arm and an ability to rally the team when needed, his struggles with turnovers, decision-making under pressure, and inability to consistently elevate his play in the postseason have left a cloud over his tenure. In 2024, despite a solid supporting cast, Prescott has yet to fully capitalize on the talent surrounding him. With the Cowboys’ playoff hopes in jeopardy, some are wondering if a shakeup at quarterback is the solution.
The Case for a QB Change
1. Playoff Failures: The Elephant in the Room
The Cowboys have not advanced past the NFC Championship Game since the mid-1990s. Prescott, despite flashes of brilliance, has been a part of several high-profile postseason failures, leading to doubts about whether he can lead Dallas to the promised land. The last couple of seasons have seen Prescott falter in critical games, and his inconsistent performances in big moments have led to mounting pressure from the fanbase and media alike.
2. The Rising Expectations of Backup QBs
Behind Prescott, the Cowboys have solid options waiting in the wings. Whether it’s the solid veteran presence of Cooper Rush, who has proven to be capable in spot-starts, or a potential trade acquisition to inject new life into the offense, the Cowboys’ roster might have a better backup plan than many realize. The decision to potentially move forward with another quarterback could hinge on whether they believe a change would provide a spark in the offense or if a backup QB could offer more stability than Prescott’s mistakes.
3. Changing the Narrative: Fresh Energy for a Playoff Push
One of the most compelling arguments for a change is the potential for a new quarterback to revitalize the team’s energy. Sometimes, a fresh face under center can shift the momentum, inspire the locker room, and reawaken a slumbering offense. If Prescott continues to struggle, a Week 11 change could give the Cowboys a jolt of confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. The NFC East is still within reach, and the playoff picture remains unclear, which might prompt the front office to act before it’s too late.
4. Zeke Elliott’s Departure: A New Dynamic in the Backfield
With former star running back Ezekiel Elliott now wearing a New England Patriots jersey, the Cowboys offense has experienced growing pains in adjusting to a more balanced backfield. The absence of Elliott has placed more responsibility on Prescott’s shoulders, but without that traditional ground game to lean on, it’s clear that the Cowboys need more from their quarterback. A change under center could be the catalyst to rediscover the offensive rhythm that made Dallas such a dangerous team in years past.
The Backlash: Why Changing QBs Might Be a Mistake
Of course, making a quarterback change in Week 11 is not without its risks. Prescott has been with the Cowboys for almost a decade, and while his consistency may be questioned, his leadership and familiarity with the team’s system cannot be ignored. To bench or trade Prescott in favor of a backup — whether Rush or an outside acquisition — could send the wrong message to the locker room, potentially causing more harm than good.
1. Disruption of Team Chemistry
Prescott has been the unquestioned leader of the Cowboys offense for years. His relationship with key players like CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and the offensive line is deeply established. A sudden change could disrupt that rapport, leading to confusion and uncertainty at a critical point in the season.
2. Rush’s Success: Not Enough to Earn the Job Full-Time
Cooper Rush, while competent in Prescott’s absence in previous seasons, has not proven himself to be a long-term solution. He’s shown flashes of effectiveness, but does anyone seriously believe Rush is the one who will lead Dallas deep into the playoffs? Rush has never demonstrated the ability to consistently handle the pressure of a starting role in the NFL. While he may be a temporary fix, the idea of him taking over for Prescott as a full-time starter is a gamble the Cowboys might not be ready to make.
3. Prescott’s Ability to Bounce Back
Quarterbacks, like all players, go through slumps. Prescott may be in the middle of a rough stretch, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s washed up or incapable of leading this team to success. By sticking with Prescott, the Cowboys could be betting on his ability to find his rhythm again in the second half of the season. After all, Prescott has proven in the past that he can play at an elite level when everything clicks.
The Wild Card: Is a Trade on the Horizon?
Another layer to this situation is the possibility of the Cowboys exploring trade options for a quarterback. The trade deadline has passed, but the offseason could bring several big-name quarterbacks to the market. Could the Cowboys be laying the groundwork for a major trade in the near future? If Prescott continues to falter, Dallas could look to make a splash in the trade market — potentially adding a star quarterback from another team in need of a change of scenery.
What’s Next for the Cowboys?
Week 11 will be a defining moment for the Cowboys, not just in terms of their win-loss record, but in determining the future of the franchise. Will Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ coaching staff stick with Dak Prescott and trust that he can turn things around, or will they make the bold decision to change quarterbacks and risk shaking up the chemistry in hopes of salvaging their season?
The clock is ticking, and the stakes have never been higher for Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ coaching staff, and the entire organization. With the playoffs in sight and the team’s potential on the line, the decision to make a quarterback change in Week 11 could either be a stroke of genius or a move that ends up being too little, too late. Either way, this is a decision that could shape the future of the Dallas Cowboys for years to come.
The drama is just beginning.
