Michael Irvin concurs with the assertion made by Dak Prescott: The success of the Dallas Cowboys is “very close” to that of the Philadelphia Eagles | Speak

The rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles is one of the most storied and intense in the NFL. For decades, these two teams have battled it out, both on the field and in the hearts of their respective fanbases. While the Cowboys have long been known for their “America’s Team” moniker, the Eagles have built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most dangerous and well-rounded teams in recent years, culminating in their Super Bowl victory in 2018 and a strong resurgence in the 2020s.

With the 2024 season now behind them and a long offseason stretching ahead, both teams are poised for the future. Dak Prescott, the Cowboys’ star quarterback, recently made waves in an interview when he stated that the Cowboys are “very close” to the level of success that the Eagles have achieved. His assertion raised eyebrows, sparking discussion about where the Cowboys stand relative to their NFC East rivals.

Adding his voice to the conversation, Michael Irvin, a Cowboys legend and Hall of Famer, echoed Prescott’s sentiment, agreeing that the Cowboys are indeed on the cusp of reaching the elite status that the Eagles currently hold. Irvin, known for his fiery passion and deep understanding of the game, has been an outspoken advocate for the Cowboys, both during his playing days and as a commentator. His comments, made on the popular FS1 show “Speak”, were a mix of optimism and pointed reflection, aimed at both the team’s current strengths and the areas that still need improvement to propel the Cowboys to true championship contention.

Dak Prescott’s Assertion: “Very Close” to the Eagles’ Success

Dak Prescott’s statement that the Cowboys are “very close” to the Eagles’ success wasn’t made lightly. The Cowboys’ 2024 season, which ended with an early playoff exit, was another chapter in the team’s ongoing quest for a Super Bowl championship. While Dallas has undeniably improved under Prescott’s leadership, the franchise has failed to make the deep playoff run that would justify their Super Bowl aspirations in recent years.

In his interview, Prescott acknowledged that while the Cowboys have a solid foundation, including a talented quarterback in himself, a star wide receiver in CeeDee Lamb, and an elite defense anchored by Micah Parsons, they still need to break through the final hurdles. “We’ve got the pieces, we just need to keep putting them together,” Prescott said. “I see a team that’s really close. We’re very close to the top teams in this league—teams like the Eagles, who have set the bar high.”

Prescott’s comments were a blend of humility and confidence, recognizing the Cowboys’ potential while also acknowledging that they need to raise their level to match the likes of the Eagles, who in recent years have consistently been contenders for the NFC Championship and a Super Bowl berth.

Michael Irvin’s Perspective: Optimism and Realism

Michael Irvin, never one to shy away from offering his perspective on the Cowboys’ fortunes, wholeheartedly agreed with Prescott’s assessment on “Speak.” Irvin’s connection to the franchise runs deep—having won three Super Bowls with the Cowboys in the 1990s, he is a living embodiment of the kind of success that the franchise has always strived to return to. In his analysis, Irvin discussed the key elements that make the Eagles such a formidable team, but he was quick to point out that the Cowboys already have many of those ingredients in place.

“The Cowboys are on the verge of something great,” Irvin said, “but they’ve got to start acting like it. They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the defense, and they’ve got a quarterback who’s more than capable of leading them. But they need to show consistency, especially in the postseason.”

Irvin pointed to the Eagles’ success over the last few seasons as a blueprint for what the Cowboys should strive for. The Eagles have built their success on a combination of aggressive defense, solid quarterback play from Jalen Hurts, and a balanced offensive attack that utilizes both the pass and the run effectively. Perhaps most notably, the Eagles have managed to build depth and cohesion across the roster, from the offensive line to the defensive backfield.

“I think if you look at the Eagles, they’ve been able to put it all together in the big moments,” Irvin continued. “It’s not just about having a great team in the regular season. It’s about how you play in the postseason. How you handle adversity. That’s where the Cowboys have to get better. But they’re not far off.”

The Eagles’ Model of Success

Irvin’s comments touch on the key pillars of success that have defined the Eagles’ rise to dominance in recent years. After a disappointing stretch of seasons following their Super Bowl victory in 2018, the Eagles quickly rebuilt under head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman. Their ability to draft and develop talent, build a balanced offense, and foster a culture of team-first football has propelled them to sustained success.

In particular, the Eagles have succeeded by building around Jalen Hurts, who has transformed into one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the league. Hurts’ ability to make plays both with his arm and legs has given the Eagles offense the versatility to dominate defenses. He is also a leader who has proven he can rise to the occasion in big moments, including guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, where they came up just short against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Cowboys, while not without their own talented quarterback in Dak Prescott, have often been criticized for their inconsistency in big moments. Prescott, for all of his success in the regular season, has often struggled in the playoffs. The Cowboys have won just three playoff games since Prescott took over as the starter in 2016, and their most recent playoff run ended in a disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round of the 2024 season.

Irvin was quick to point out that the Cowboys need to improve their ability to perform in the postseason if they are to match the Eagles’ success. He argued that it’s not just about having a high-powered offense or a dominant defense, but about performing when it matters most—something the Cowboys have struggled with in recent years.

The Cowboys’ Strengths: A Solid Foundation

One of the key takeaways from Irvin’s perspective was his belief in the Cowboys’ strong foundation. The team has a number of high-end players who can compete with anyone in the league. This includes Micah Parsons, the star pass rusher who has emerged as one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL, and CeeDee Lamb, a wide receiver who has quickly become one of the league’s top playmakers. The Cowboys also boast a talented running back in Tony Pollard, as well as a defense that ranked among the best in the league in 2024.

Dallas has also made significant strides in their offensive line play, particularly in 2024, with younger players like Tyler Smith stepping up to protect Prescott. The team’s offensive line has become a solid unit, providing Prescott with the protection he needs to execute the Cowboys’ offense effectively.

However, the Cowboys’ struggles in the postseason have often been attributed to a lack of overall consistency, particularly in clutch situations. Prescott’s turnovers and decision-making issues in high-pressure moments have been a key reason why Dallas has failed to capitalize on its talent. In this regard, Irvin emphasized that the Cowboys need to continue to develop a mindset of winning in crucial moments.

The Road Ahead: Can the Cowboys Close the Gap?

The 2025 offseason will be critical for the Cowboys in their pursuit of a Super Bowl. While Irvin and Prescott are both optimistic about the team’s future, they know that closing the gap between Dallas and teams like the Eagles will require a continued commitment to improving in several key areas.

First and foremost, the Cowboys need to solidify their quarterback play in the postseason. Dak Prescott, for all his regular-season success, must prove that he can win when it matters most—especially in tight playoff games. To match the Eagles’ level of success, Prescott will need to continue to elevate his game, minimize turnovers, and make clutch plays in critical moments.

Secondly, the Cowboys must continue to build depth and consistency on both sides of the ball. While the defense is already one of the best in the league, it will need to remain strong in the postseason, where matchups tend to be more challenging. Additionally, the Cowboys’ offense needs to be more balanced, with better game plans to address high-pressure situations, and more creativity to keep defenses guessing.

Finally, the Cowboys must find a way to compete with the top-tier teams in the NFC, particularly the Eagles, who have built a well-rounded, championship-caliber team. If Dallas can improve their offensive consistency and maintain their elite-level defense, they will be poised to challenge for the NFC crown in 2025.

 A Bright Future for the Cowboys

Michael Irvin and Dak Prescott’s shared optimism is not without merit. The Cowboys are indeed “very close” to competing at the same level as the Eagles, but the road to a championship will require consistency, execution, and perhaps a bit of luck in the postseason. While the Eagles have set the bar high, the Cowboys are in a position to challenge for that throne, with a strong roster, capable leadership, and the kind of talent that could take them to the next level. The key question is whether they can finally close the gap and turn potential into championship glory in the coming seasons.