The Dallas Cowboys fell to the Carolina Panthers, 30-27, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon.

Dallas led for much of the game, but couldn’t get it done late, as Bryce Young and the Panthers drove down the field for a game-winning field goal as time expired. The Cowboys dropped to 2-3-1 on the season with the loss. Dallas was coming off a blowout win over the New York Jets at Metlife Stadium.

Advertisement

Dak Prescott had another big game, throwing for three touchdowns, but his defense once again let him down. However, when asked about his defense postgame, Prescott showed true character.

The Panthers were able to force a Cowboys punt with the game tied, 27-27, and a little more than six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Carolina would go on to eat up all the clock remaining, before kicking a game-winning field goal.

Naturally, many fans are blaming the Dallas defense, which has now allowed 30 or more points in four out of six games. However, Prescott is instead taking the blame, saying that the offense needs to get the job done.

Advertisement

“If we don’t score, last thing I’m going is being frustrated at the defense,” Prescott said, via the team’s website. “That’s my problem, somebody on offense, or something that we didn’t do better.”

Prescott is showing serious leadership

On Sunday, Prescott became the first quarterback in NFL history to not have a winning record over a three-game span in which he totaled 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Prescott has been on fire over these last three games.

Advertisement

His defense, however, has let him down. The Dallas Cowboys defense is shaping up to be one of the worst in modern NFL history. However, the team’s offense hasn’t been perfect, resulting in a tough loss like the one on Sunday.

Prescott, though, is refusing to throw his teammates under the bus – and it’s a great sign for his leadership moving forward.

This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.