Cowboys Bench Terence Steele and Dak Prescott Ahead of Week 10 Matchup
In a stunning move ahead of the Dallas Cowboys’ Week 10 matchup, head coach Mike McCarthy announced that two key veterans, right tackle Terence Steele and quarterback Dak Prescott, will be benched for the upcoming game.
The decision has raised eyebrows across the league, as both players have been pivotal to the Cowboys’ offensive line and offensive scheme this season.
Steele’s Bench Role: A Strategic Move
Terence Steele, a stalwart on the Cowboys’ offensive line for the past several seasons, has been one of the team’s most reliable performers. However, McCarthy revealed that the coaching staff is opting for a change at right tackle, citing the need for fresh energy and a different look to better exploit the opponent’s defensive scheme.
Steele’s struggles in pass protection against faster, more dynamic pass rushers have been noticeable, and the Cowboys’ front office seems to be looking for a more agile and versatile option in this week’s matchup.
While Steele has been effective in the running game, his recent performances in pass blocking have raised concerns, particularly with the Cowboys facing teams with elite edge rushers. The Cowboys are likely testing out younger players or rotating in new personnel to see if they can offer a spark.
Prescott’s Bench Role: A Wake-Up Call?
Perhaps the most shocking decision of all is the benching of starting quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott has been the leader of the Cowboys offense for several seasons, but his performance in recent games has been under scrutiny.
After a series of turnovers and missed opportunities against top-tier teams, McCarthy and the coaching staff have decided to give Prescott a break, perhaps as a motivator for the veteran QB to reset and refocus.
It’s not clear if Prescott will be fully sidelined or if the Cowboys will rotate quarterbacks during the game, but it’s a significant shift for a player who has been one of the faces of the franchise.
The Cowboys’ front office has often been supportive of Prescott, but this move could signal a larger conversation about his long-term role with the team.
What This Means for the Cowboys
This benching could be a wake-up call for both players, as well as the entire Cowboys locker room. With the season still very much in play, the Cowboys are looking for a way to spark a run for the playoffs and potentially make a deep postseason push.
McCarthy’s bold decision reflects the team’s urgency to make adjustments and ensure they are competitive against strong divisional opponents.
The Week 10 matchup will undoubtedly be one of the most scrutinized games of the Cowboys’ season, as eyes will be on how the new lineup performs without two of the team’s cornerstone players.
Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if this shakeup can breathe new life into a team that has been both impressive and inconsistent so far.