Cowboys Look to Dak Prescott as Rivalry Clash With Eagles Takes Center Stage

The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 12 in need of a spark. Sitting at 4-5-1 and outside the current NFC playoff picture, the team has little margin for error as the season approaches its final stretch. Their next test — a rivalry showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles — may determine whether Dallas strengthens its postseason chances or slips further behind.

Much of the burden falls on quarterback Dak Prescott, whose performance has often dictated the Cowboys’ competitive ceiling. With Philadelphia’s defense hitting its stride, Prescott will be tasked with elevating an offense that has struggled for consistency in tight moments.

This week, one of Prescott’s trademark habits resurfaced in public conversation. Former head coach Mike McCarthy appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and was asked about the quarterback’s now-iconic “here we go” cadence — a call that has become one of the most recognizable pre-snap rhythms in the NFL.

McCarthy’s answer offered rare insight into how the phrase came to be, revealing that it originated from internal discussions with Dallas’ offensive linemen about improving communication and creating clearer timing cues.

1. Origins of a Distinctive Cadence

During the interview, McAfee praised Prescott’s cadence as “one of the greatest of all time,” prompting curiosity about its creation. McCarthy explained that the call grew out of a collaborative effort, driven largely by feedback from the offensive line room. According to McCarthy, Dallas linemen felt they needed a stronger indicator to align their timing and responsibilities pre-snap. That request led to the development of Prescott’s audible and unmistakable “here we go,” a phrase quickly adopted and refined during the coach’s tenure. The cadence has since taken on a life of its own, becoming instantly recognizable to fans and broadcasters. Its clarity provides both communication value and a psychological presence, often signaling tempo and intent before a play even begins. For the Cowboys, it represents not just a quirky soundbite but an example of how player and coaching input can merge to improve on-field operation.

2. Dallas Faces High-Stakes Clash With Philadelphia

While the backstory made headlines, Dallas remains focused on what awaits Sunday. A win over the Eagles would give the Cowboys a needed boost in the playoff race, though it would not immediately vault them into the postseason field. Still, any victory over a division rival carries weight — especially one with Philadelphia’s pedigree. The Cowboys understand the urgency. Losing ground at this stage makes the road to January much steeper, and division matchups tend to swing momentum dramatically. A win would at least tighten the standings and extend Dallas’ margin for late-season maneuvering. Beyond standings implications, rivalry pride is an undeniable driving force. Dallas-Philadelphia games are routinely heated, physical, and unpredictable, often reflecting the intensity of both fan bases and organizations. All of that adds to the pressure on Prescott, who must find ways to navigate an Eagles defense that showcased its dominance just a week ago under the national spotlight.

3. Prescott’s Challenge Against a Stout Eagles Defense

Philadelphia’s defense presents one of Dallas’ toughest tests of the season. Last week’s performance against Detroit reinforced the group’s ability to control games, especially against offenses that rely heavily on rhythm and timing. For Prescott, success will come down to decision-making, efficiency, and exploiting any cracks in the Eagles’ coverage. If Dallas can generate early momentum, the matchup could tilt toward a more competitive, high-energy contest. Conversely, slow starts have cost the Cowboys in several tight losses this year. Falling behind against Philadelphia’s front seven could create a scenario where Dallas becomes predictable, allowing pressure to dictate the game’s tempo. Even so, the rivalry’s unpredictable nature ensures that opportunities will arise. If Prescott and the offense find the right rhythm — perhaps even with the help of his signature cadence — Dallas may be able to challenge a Philadelphia offense still searching for stability.