Countless times since Thanksgiving we've all seen the highlight of Amari Cooper out-running Washington safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix to the end zone to complete a 90-yard touchdown.
We've praised Cooper's route-running, speed and big-play ability. What we've ignored, for the most part, has been the throw.
It's a pass Prescott wouldn't have even attempted earlier this season and a route play-caller Scott Linehan wouldn't have called.
Prescott has been a different quarterback since Cooper arrived a month ago from Oakland for a first-round draft choice.
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Seattle Seahawks in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during halftime as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform at halftime during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform at halftime during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 09: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on November 05, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the game against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 05: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the game against the Tennessee Titans at AT&T Stadium on November 5, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders perform at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 14: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Getty Images
AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 21: The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders stand in the Paddock during the United States Formula One Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on October 21, 2018 in Austin, United States. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders take a knee while a player is being tended to on the field at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Detroit Lions at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 30: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before the game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs during the game between the New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform before a game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 16: A Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader performs at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Getty Images
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 18: The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders perform in the second quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Cincinnati Bengals at AT&T Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Cooper's presence has allowed Prescott to play like he did the first 24 games of his career, when he placed premium on protecting the ball, while letting teammates Dez Bryant, Jason Witten and Ezekiel Elliott make plays.
Sports Connection
Connecting you to your favorite North Texas sports teams as well as sports news around the globe.
We're talking about a dude who had 38 touchdowns and nine interceptions in his first 24 games.
Then he went through an awful 15-game stretch with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, while passing for fewer than 200 yards 10 times.
During the Cowboys' three-game winning streak, he's completing 70 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and an interception. He's passing for 255.7 yards per game and he looks much more like the player who was Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are the feature act of the Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, a free event every Friday and Saturday night until Dec. 22 at The Star. The cheerleaders are joined outside the star by Santa Claus and the Dallas Cowboys Rhythm and Blue Dancers and Drumline. The showcase is held on the plaza outside The Star at 6 p.m., Friday and saturday nights between Nov. 24 and Dec. 22. If that's not enough, there's a large Christmas tree, photos with Santa and more. Get details here.
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
Mike Richard, NBC 5 News
Dallas Cowboys Christmas Spectacular, 2017
That's the player who must a show up Thursday at AT&T Stadium for the Cowboys to beat New Orleans and its future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.
This isn't a game of one-on-one, so Prescott doesn't need better stats than Brees, but he needs to play one of his best games.
Prescott's pass against Washington is tangible evidence how Cooper has changed the quarterback.
First, if you look at a chart of every pass Prescott has thrown this season the middle of the field is barren. It's a place the Cowboys rarely attack - at least they hadn't before Thanksgiving Day.
Cooper wasn't even the primary receiver. He was running a clear-out route, but Prescott spied him in the middle of the field and zipped a pass between three defenders.
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook cover
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Apple Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
BBQ Pork Ribs
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Campfire Dessert Skillet
Legends
Cowboys Cheesesteak
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Cowboys Hamburger
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Creme Brulee Panna Cotta
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Gridiron Grilled Cheese
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Lobster Roll
Alianza de Fútbol
Pro Bowl
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Ricotta Beignets
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Roasted Turkey
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Salmon and Exotic Kale Caesar
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sliced Brisket Sandwich
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sous Vide Steak Salad
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Street Tacos
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sweet Heat Sticky Wings
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Sweet Potato Casserole
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Texas Angus Carpaccio Flatbread
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
Texas Chicken and Waffles
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
White Hot Chocolate
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
2017 Dallas Cowboys Family Cookbook
It was a gusty throw, the kind he rarely attempts, and it was accurate.
Cooper did the rest to complete the third-longest touchdown reception in franchise history. The point: In one month Prescott trusts Cooper more than Dez Bryant or any other receiver he's ever had.
"You saw Thanksgiving the type of player he is and what he can do," Prescott said. "He brings that swagger in the locker room he bought in quickly. He's one of us. It's like he's been here all year.
"We sit one seat apart in our meeting room, and we're always talking. The way he runs routes and gets separation and prepares he makes my job easier," Prescott said.
Cooper, a superior route-runner, presents a much easier target for Prescott than Bryant did because he creates considerably more space between himself and the defenders covering him.
Now, Prescott can return to doing what he does best: distributing the ball.
He lost two fumbles in a loss to Washington last month, including one returned for a touchdown. He threw an interception into double coverage and lost a key fumble trying to turn nothing into something in a loss to Tennessee.
After each game, Prescott said he was trying to do too much. During the win streak, he's not.
As former Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington used to say, he's doing what the game asks him to do.
That's when he plays his best football. Prescott doesn't have the arm talent to lift a collection of average receivers, but he has a set of intangibles - grit, leadership, competitiveness - that inspires his teammates.
And every time he makes a dazzling run like he did on his five-yard touchdown run that pushed the lead to Washington to 31-10 or makes a throw like he did to Cooper their belief in his ability to makes plays at winning time grows.
He already had seven game-winning drives and 12 fourth-quarter comebacks. In Tony Romo's first three full seasons as a starter, he had nine game-winning drives and 10 fourth-quarter comebacks.
"No. 1, I think he's an exceptional leader - just watch his presence when he came into this league," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said of Prescott. " I think he's got a real good presence in the pocket. I think he can beat you with his arm, he can beat you with his feet. He's a winner."
And he'll have an opportunity to show a national television audience Thursday how much he's grown against the NFL's best team.
