Two Cowboys who deserve to be nominated for major NFL awards this season

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As we near the end of the regular season, the conversation of who deserves a spot in the NFL Honors heats up.

There are still four games to play, so a lot can change, but as things stand right now, at least a couple of Dallas Cowboys deserve to be a part of the awards gala.

What Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy have achieved in 2023 should put them on at least a couple of ballots.

Prescott is already in the running for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award but he deserves praise for what he’s doing on the field, too.

Meanwhile, McCarthy should also be on the list for the 13th annual awards.

Here’s a look at the accomplishments of both to this stage of the season.

Prescott Hat-Trick?

Dak Prescott came into 2023 needing to prove his worth, with many suggesting Jerry Jones should move on from the Cowboys pivot sooner rather than later.

He’s slated to be an unrestricted free agent in 2025, but by all accounts, his performances this season have the club primed to sign him to a long-term deal this offseason.

In the early stages of his hot streak, it’s easy to suggest that Dak putting together a few strong outings is no big deal.

Since the San Francisco debacle though, Dak’s come to play and is a big reason for the Cowboys’ success.

He’s currently third in the NFL regarding passing (3,505), completing 69.3% of his throws and leading the league in touchdown passes (28).

Dallas’ schedule until the past couple of weeks has been relatively easy, but in their previous two games, Dak’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Over the past eight games, Prescott’s only thrown two interceptions, with 271 yards through the air against the reigning NFC champions on Sunday and a pair of scores.

Versus the Seahawks, he had to be on his game as DaRon Bland and the defense struggled, and he kept it going against Philly last week.

Should nominations be revealed today, Prescott should be on the shortlist for Offensive Player of the Year and MVP.

If Prescott isn’t in the running alongside Brock Purdy, Lamar Jackson, and Tyreek Hill, then there’s a serious bias against the Cowboys’ pivot.

McCarthy for Coach of the Year

When the Cowboys let offensive coordinator Kellen Moore join the Chargers, there was plenty of concern.

Overseeing everything as a head coach does isn’t easy, but for Mike McCarthy to be calling plays put something more on his plate.

While it was very much hit-and-miss for the Cowboys offensively in the opening few weeks, it seems like everything is clicking right now.

Under McCarthy’s play calling, the Cowboys are second in the NFL for passing yards (3,417) while leading the league in points-per-game (32.4).

Across the board, the Cowboys have been spectacular, with Brandon Aubrey perfect on field goals and among the best at kickoffs, while defensively, this team’s third regarding yards allowed per game (289.9), conceding a mere 17.9 points per game.

As most Coach of the Year Awards go to the most improved team, DeMeco Ryans is probably a lock to win, but McCarthy deserves consideration.

Weeks ago, talks of Bill Belichick replacing was rumoured, but McCarthy’s earned a contract extension.

McCarthy and Prescott could become the first to capture the MVP and Coach of the Year in the same year (2019) since the Baltimore Ravens’ John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson.