Cowboys’ Final Game: Dak Prescott to Start Despite Controversy
Despite the Dallas Cowboys having nothing but pride to play for in their season finale against the New York Giants, the team has confirmed quarterback Dak Prescott will start on Sunday. This decision might raise eyebrows among fans who witnessed the concerning incident during last week’s Christmas Day game against the Washington Commanders. Though the Cowboys emerged victorious with a 30-23 win and Prescott delivered an impressive performance—307 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions—it was a moment in the third quarter that left fans holding their breath.
With just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter, Prescott was sacked by Commanders pass-rusher Von Miller on a third-and-9 play that should have ended the Cowboys’ drive. What happened next sparked outrage among Dallas supporters. As Prescott slammed the ball to the turf in frustration after the play, Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu rushed in with what appeared to be a late hit on the quarterback. The officials penalized Luvu 15 yards for the infraction, giving the Cowboys new life on the drive. Fortunately, Prescott emerged unscathed from the collision, but the unnecessary contact raised concerns about player safety, particularly for a franchise quarterback.
In the aftermath of the game, many observers expected the NFL to take additional disciplinary action against Luvu for the late hit. The league routinely fines players for violations that endanger quarterbacks, with penalties typically ranging from $11,593 to $17,389 for a first offense and escalating to $23,186 for repeat offenders. Given the blatant nature of the hit and the league’s stated commitment to protecting quarterbacks, supplemental discipline seemed likely. However, when the NFL released its weekly list of fines, Luvu’s name was conspicuously absent.
The absence of a fine is particularly surprising considering Luvu’s history this season. The linebacker has already been fined three times in 2023, totaling an eye-watering $166,568—all for hip-drop tackles, a technique the NFL has been cracking down on for safety reasons. With this track record of repeated infractions, many expected the league would hold Luvu accountable for the late hit on Prescott. The NFL’s decision not to levy a fine has left Cowboys fans questioning the consistency of the league’s disciplinary process and its commitment to quarterback protection.
As the Cowboys prepare for their season finale, they do so with the disappointing reality that their playoff hopes have already been extinguished. With a 7-8-1 record, Dallas will miss the postseason despite entering the year with championship aspirations. The decision to start Prescott in what amounts to a meaningless game demonstrates the team’s commitment to competing until the final whistle, even if only division rivalry and professional pride are at stake. It also suggests confidence in Prescott’s health following the concerning hit he absorbed against Washington.
The Week 18 matchup against the division rival Giants offers Dallas an opportunity to end a frustrating season on a positive note. While the playoffs are no longer in reach, finishing with a victory would provide a small measure of satisfaction and momentum heading into what promises to be an offseason of reflection and potential changes. For Prescott, who has had his share of ups and downs this season, a strong performance would offer a reminder of his capabilities as the franchise cornerstone. As Cowboys fans look toward next season, they’ll hope that both their quarterback and the team’s fortunes will be better protected than they were in 2023.
