ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has never been one to hold back when it comes to criticizing the Dallas Cowboys, and his latest takedown of Dak Prescott proves that point. The outspoken analyst delivered a scathing response to Prescott’s bold prediction about meeting the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, questioning whether the quarterback can back up his words when it matters most.
What Did Stephen A. Smith Say About Dak Prescott’s NFC Championship Claim?
Smith didn’t mince words when addressing Prescott’s comments to Rams owner Stan Kroenke. In the clip from the official “First Take” X account, Smith unleashed on Prescott due to his comments to Kroenke regarding the Cowboys meeting the Rams in the NFC Championship game.
“He just makes sure to do everything but win the second it turns into the postseason.” 😅
—@stephenasmith on Dak Prescott and the Cowboys pic.twitter.com/9RbJbmThSD
— First Take (@FirstTake) August 11, 2025
Smith called Prescott’s statement “the most useless quote ever,” pointing out that the quarterback, whom the Cowboys drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has never reached the NFC Championship as he nears his 10th season. The veteran analyst even suggested that the Rams “probably giggled and laughed at him” after hearing the prediction.
However, Smith didn’t stop there. He backed up his criticism with hard numbers, breaking down career earnings among active quarterbacks per playoff win. The comparison painted a stark picture of Prescott’s postseason struggles.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has 17 playoff wins, averages around $10.7 million per playoff win according to Smith’s research. Prescott, with just two playoff wins, has made an average of $124.3 million per postseason victory.
“He makes sure he gets the headlines. He makes sure he gets the publicity. He just makes sure to do everything but win the second it turns into the postseason,” Smith concluded.
Why Do Prescott’s Playoff Numbers Support Smith’s Argument?
The statistics tell the story that Smith wanted to emphasize. The Cowboys haven’t reached the NFC Championship since 1995 when they defeated the Green Bay Packers, 38-27. The franchise holds an 8-6 all-time record in conference championship games, but that success feels like ancient history for current fans.
Prescott’s individual postseason record stands at just 2-5 across seven games. During those playoff appearances, he has completed 178 of 276 passes for a 64.5% completion rate, throwing for 1,962 yards with 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. The most concerning trend shows Prescott throwing multiple interceptions in each of his last two playoff games, including losses to the Packers and the San Francisco 49ers.
Adding to the team’s current challenges, the Cowboys continue dealing with off-field drama involving pass rusher Micah Parsons, who would be crucial to any championship run. The situation has deteriorated to the point where, as PFSN’s Brandon Astreicher points out, Cowboys fans are ripping the franchise after Parsons requested a trade.
Given the team’s recent history and Prescott coming off the 2024-25 campaign, where he played only eight games due to a hamstring injury, reaching the NFC Championship seems like a significant challenge. Smith’s harsh assessment reflects the frustration many feel about a franchise that continues to talk championship while consistently falling short when the stakes are highest.
