DALLAS – Andy Dalton knows that’s why he signed with the Dallas Cowboys … in case Dak Prescott ever went missing and had to compete.
Dalton acknowledged that he and his offense played their most complete game of the season overall; the one that keeps them alive in their post-season math ambitions, despite all the troubles the cowboys have had, both on and off the field.
The Cowboys beat the Philadelphia Eagles 37-17 on Sunday, with 377 yards and three passing touchdowns from Dalton and 151 rushing yards, led by Ezekiel Elliott’s 105.
“From the first day I got here, I told them (to the press) that I was coming to Dallas in case they ever needed me to play for Dak and that I would prepare as never before to join this team. help you win games “said Dalton. “Unfortunately, I also told them that if he played it was for the wrong reasons, such as Dak’s injury.”
Prescott has been hurt all season since Game 5. Since then, four quarterbacks have started appearances for the Cowboys as Dalton suffered a concussion on his first start, followed by a Covid infection.
He played in eight games in which the Cowboys are 4-4, including three consecutive victories, winning one on Sunday, and Washington’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, after qualifying for the postseason as champions of the League. Eastern Division of the National Conference.
“It means a lot to me,” Dalton acknowledged. “I want to help lead this team and do everything I can to win. The way we’ve played for the past three weeks has been satisfying. We talk about momentum and that’s what we brought. “
“Everything starts with a win and then take that momentum to win the second and now it’s three,” he added. “We still have a chance and we should take it.”
On Sunday, Dalton delivered the ball to his top three receivers, as had been believed 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 achieved an identical 121 yards and Lamb 65.
“With the talent we have among the recipients, I feel like we can do anything,” he said. “We looked good, thanks to the good line protection and we performed well.”
The head coach of the Cowboys, Mike McCarthy, said Dalton’s main virtue was to release the ball on pace, on time and with good measurements from the opponent.
“He realized he could have some advantages in matchups outside of his receivers,” McCarthy explained. ‘I think he was very patient. They (Eagles) have a good front line, but Andy read that right. “
“I think we were extremely efficient on the attack,” he added. “We are doing a good job protecting the ball and we need it next week.”
In a season well below the Cowboys’ expectations, Dalton believes there is still something to be saved if they advance to the playoffs.
“It’s been a long season,” he said. “We went through some very difficult times this season. But at the end of the day, we’ll play our best football in December and head to January. “
“We know we have to finish our job and watch the rest unfold,” he added. “We have done everything we can to get to this point. Next week we have another big game. And we’ll see what happens… ”.
Another motivation for Dalton is that if the Cowboys advance to the playoffs, he’ll get an extra million dollars in salary as part of the one-season deal he signed.