Cowboys Outlast Giants in NFC East Showdown

Daniel Jones is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts in the National Football League (NFL)[1]. Born on May 27, 1997, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Jones attended Charlotte Latin High School before playing college football at Duke University, where he threw for 8,201 yards and 52 touchdowns over three seasons[4]. His college career was shaped under head coach David Cutcliffe, who also coached NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning[6]. Jones entered the NFL as the sixth overall pick in the 2019 draft, selected by the New York Giants[1][4]. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, setting Giants franchise rookie records with 3,027 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games, and became the first Giants rookie quarterback since 1980 to win his first career start[6]. Jones’ debut was particularly memorable, as he threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for two scores[4]. Despite this promising start, his development was hampered by frequent coaching changes and a struggling offensive line, leading to inconsistent performances and turnover issues over the next two seasons[4][6]. A turning point came in the 2022 season when Jones led the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016, showcasing improved decision-making and athleticism[6]. Over his career, he has accumulated over 11,600 passing yards, 60 passing touchdowns, and 34 interceptions, along with significant rushing production—highlighted by becoming the first Giants quarterback to record 2,500 passing yards and 400 rushing yards in a season[2][6]. His dual-threat ability and leadership earned him team captain honors in his second season[6]. In 2025, Jones joined the Indianapolis Colts, where he has contributed to the team’s strong 4-1 start to the season[1][3]. His recent play has drawn attention for its efficiency and versatility, with analysts noting his “leveled up” performance and even speculating about his place in early MVP discussions[3]. Jones remains a relevant figure in the NFL, known for his resilience, athleticism, and capacity to lead both on and off the field.

Dak Prescott, born July 29, 1993, in Sulphur, Louisiana, is a prominent American football quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. He played college football at Mississippi State, where he distinguished himself by becoming the fourth player in FBS history to pass for 60 touchdowns and rush for 40 touchdowns in a career[1]. Prescott was selected by the Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft (135th overall)[1]. His NFL career quickly advanced when starting quarterback Tony Romo suffered an injury in the 2016 preseason, thrusting Prescott into the starting role. He capitalized on this opportunity by leading the Cowboys to a 13–3 record in his rookie season, an NFC-best, while forming a dynamic offensive duo with rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott[2]. Prescott set several rookie records for the Cowboys, including passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating[6]. Since then, Prescott has been the Cowboys' starting quarterback and a key team leader. Despite regular-season success, the Cowboys have consistently struggled to advance deep into the playoffs, with repeated early postseason exits in recent years, including losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers[2]. The team notably holds a record streak of 13 playoff appearances without reaching the conference championship game since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger[2]. As of the 2024 season, Prescott is entering the final year of his contract with Dallas. Contract negotiations have stalled, and while Prescott remains focused on leading the Cowboys to playoff success, he has expressed openness to playing for another team after the current contract expires[3]. He continues to be regarded as the franchise's long-term quarterback solution, with executive leadership expressing confidence in his ability to lead the team to a championship[3]. Prescott is noted for his poise, leadership, and dual-threat capability as both a passer and runner. At 6'2" and 238 pounds, he remains active and a central figure in the Cowboys' offense[4][6].