Jerry Jones is never one to bite his tongue when discussing both the highs and the lows of the Cowboys. He’s also never had an issue pouring gasoline on the fire ahead of a big matchup. But when it comes to his team’s Week 9 matchup with the rival Eagles, he opted to go an entirely different route—one so surprising that it left quarterback Dak Prescott a bit stunned.
Following a 43–20 Dallas victory over the Rams in Week 8, Jones briefly discussed the upcoming matchup with Philadelphia, doing so while trying not to “poke the bear.”
“Let’s soak this one up. I don’t want to do anything to poke the bear," Jones said of the Cowboys matchup with the Eagles, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.
It was an approach that had not only fans and analysts caught a bit off guard, but even Prescott admitted he was surprised to hear Jones say that. As Machota detailed, Prescott’s “eyebrows raised” when hearing of the comment.
“I don’t believe what you just said," Prescott told reporters.
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And then Prescott opted to take on the role of outspoken and confident leader in a way that drove home the level of confidence the Cowboys have heading into the matchup.
“Pour honey on me. I always say that. If you see me and a bear in a fight, pour honey on me," Prescott said, per Machota.
Jones and Prescott essentially swapped roles ahead of the pivotal matchup between the 7–1 Eagles and 5–2 Cowboys which could have major implications on the NFC East title race. Prescott’s confidence is high and he’s bounced back in impressive fashion.
After arguably one of the worst performances of his career in a 42–10 loss to the 49ers on Oct. 8, Prescott has played at an elite level. In two games to follow, victories over the Chargers and Rams, he's completed 75.3% of his passes, throwing for 576 yards, five passing touchdowns, one rushing score and just one interception.
