'The Investment!' Is Dak and Tolbert Connection Growing?

In a thrilling finish to their Week 5 matchup, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a 20-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, with Dak Prescott connecting on a game-winning 4-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Tolbert with just 20 seconds remaining. This moment not only sealed the win but also showcased the chemistry between Prescott and Tolbert—a bond that has been steadily building since the offseason.

The game mirrored a pivotal moment from 2023 when Prescott and the Cowboys fell 28-23 to the Philadelphia Eagles. In that game, a 4th-and-goal pass to tight end Luke Schoonmaker was overturned after review, marking Schoonmaker just short of the end zone.

In the Steelers game, facing another 4th-and-goal with the clock winding down, Prescott found Tolbert, who ensured he was fully in the end zone before making the catch. This awareness helped Dallas secure the win, with Tolbert’s precise execution standing in stark contrast to earlier missed opportunities.

Prescott and Tolbert’s connection didn’t develop overnight.

"I spent a lot of time with [him] in the offseason, and I think that's where the investment of my trust in him and vice versa comes from," Prescott said in training camp. "Anytime I asked to throw he's one of the first guys showing up and very consistent. I'm looking for him to make a huge step from year one to year two."

Tolbert, who took on a more significant role in the offense during CeeDee Lamb’s holdout, has continued to strengthen his rapport with Prescott.

“It's good to know that your quarterback has confidence in you like that." Tolbert said ahead of the season. "I view him as a big brother, not only just quarterback, he's done a lot for me and like I say to have him in my corner like that and to have him vouch for me and continue to trust in me as I go out on the field with him and make plays is special. I'm going to do anything and everything I can for that guy for this team.”

This season Tolbert has 20 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns marking his impact on the offense and making him second in receiving for the Cowboys behind CeeDee Lamb.

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With the Cowboys now sitting at 3-2, they turn their attention to a Week 6 showdown against the Detroit Lions. As defenses continue to focus on CeeDee Lamb and with Brandin Cooks moved to IR, Tolbert’s relationship with Prescott is poised to become even more critical for Dallas’ offensive success moving forward.