Cowboys’ Dak Prescott’s Second Interception Stalls Comeback Hopes

The Dallas Cowboys' hopes for a comeback against the New Orleans Saints were dealt a severe blow early in the fourth quarter when quarterback Dak Prescott threw his second interception of the game.

The turnover came just moments after a promising defensive play by Donovan Wilson, who intercepted Saints quarterback Derek Carr at the New Orleans 47-yard line, giving Dallas a chance to cut into the 41-19 deficit.

Alas, there would be no "cutting in.'' There would only be postgame attempts to explain.

And, said Dak afterward: "We're not going undefeated.''

Indeed, as the Cowboys have dropped to 1-1 to start the year.

With momentum seemingly shifting in the Cowboys' favor, Prescott aimed to capitalize immediately on the defensive turnover. However, his pass on the first play from scrimmage was intercepted by the Saints’ defense, abruptly halting Dallas' chance to build any momentum. The interception marked Prescott's second of the game for the first time in 14 games and left the Cowboys’ offense scrambling for answers as the clock continued to tick down with 11:59 remaining in the fourth quarter.

This turnover highlighted the struggles of the Cowboys' offense throughout the contest, with missed opportunities and costly errors undercutting their efforts to mount a comeback. The Saints’ defense, bolstered by Alvin Kamara's four-touchdown performance, capitalized on the Cowboys' mistakes and maintained control of the game.

Related: Cowboys vs. Saints Halftime: Zimmer's Defense Hits Hurdle

While the Cowboys' defense had moment of resurgence with Wilson's interception and a blocked extra point earlier in the game, the offense failed to seize the opportunity to shift the momentum. Prescott's interception allowed the Saints to regain possession at their own 38-yard line, preserving their lead and leaving Dallas with little time to stage a recovery. The Cowboys would go three and out on their  next drive. Backup quarterback Cooper Rush would enter the game for the Cowboys late in the fourth, marking the end of Prescotts' night.

As the game clock wound down, the Cowboys' offensive woes and defensive breakdowns underscored a challenging night at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys would lose their Week 2 matchup ... and Dak and company would labor to explain.

“The Saints are a damn good team,'' he said. "(The final score) is surprising. But that’s the NFL.”