Cam Newton, former NFL MVP and larger-than-life personality, has never been one to hold back his thoughts. Whether analyzing quarterback play or dissecting team dynamics, Newton’s opinions carry weight—especially when they come laced with sharp wit and brutal honesty. In a recent discussion that’s now setting NFL circles ablaze, Newton delivered a scathing remark aimed at Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, saying, “Cowboys fans should light candles before every game!” The jab, both sarcastic and symbolic, paints a vivid picture of Newton’s perspective on Prescott’s reliability—or lack thereof—when the pressure hits hardest.
This isn’t just a casual dig. It’s a deeper commentary on a quarterback whose career has been marked by high expectations and equally high scrutiny. While Prescott has racked up impressive passing yards and touchdowns over the years, the glaring inconsistency in key moments—especially during the postseason or clutch drives—continues to raise questions about whether he can truly lead “America’s Team” to the promised land.
Newton’s comments came during a podcast-style conversation where quarterback play was being analyzed across the league. When asked about quarterbacks who falter under pressure, Cam didn’t hesitate. He zeroed in on Dak, stating that while he has the numbers and leadership image, his decision-making often betrays the team when it matters most. Newton highlighted the tendency of Prescott to throw into tight windows, sometimes appearing to hope for a miracle rather than making calculated, safe decisions. “It’s like he’s praying on the field instead of playing smart football,” Newton added. “Cowboys fans need candles and crosses when he drops back in the fourth quarter.”
What makes Cam’s critique so compelling isn’t just the colorful delivery—it’s that it taps into a growing narrative around Prescott. Year after year, the Cowboys have fielded competitive teams with loaded rosters, and yet they’ve repeatedly come up short. Whether it was the playoff loss to the 49ers in 2022, the late-game interception against the Packers in earlier seasons, or crucial misreads that stall drives, Prescott has often found himself at the center of heartbreak for Dallas fans.
Statistically, Dak Prescott is one of the better quarterbacks in the league. He regularly finishes seasons with 4,000+ yards and 25+ touchdowns. His leadership has been praised by coaches and teammates, and his durability—outside of his season-ending ankle injury in 2020—has been mostly reliable. However, football is more than numbers. When the lights are bright and the stakes are high, quarterbacks are expected to elevate their play. This is where Prescott, according to critics like Newton, falls short.
And it’s not just Newton voicing concerns. NFL pundits, former players, and even some fans have been openly skeptical about Prescott’s ability to deliver in critical moments. Every errant pass or forced throw in crunch time becomes fuel for the fire. Every playoff exit reignites the debate about whether he’s the long-term answer at quarterback. With a huge contract, high-profile endorsements, and the star on his helmet, Prescott isn’t just playing quarterback—he’s carrying the weight of a franchise’s decades-long search for Super Bowl glory.
Cam Newton’s comments struck a nerve partly because they came from a place of experience. Newton himself knows what it’s like to be under the microscope. He led the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl appearance in 2015 and won league MVP that season. He’s had his share of electric highs and frustrating lows, so when he evaluates quarterback play, especially under pressure, there’s credibility behind it. He’s walked that road.
That said, Newton’s delivery—wrapped in sarcasm and flair—is tailor-made for headlines. It’s the kind of statement that creates ripple effects in locker rooms, talk shows, and social media debates. Some have defended Prescott, pointing to poor offensive line play in critical moments, questionable play-calling, or the defense failing to hold leads. Others, however, agree with Newton’s take, arguing that a franchise quarterback must find ways to rise above adversity, not be consumed by it.
Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy has consistently backed Dak, praising his preparation, toughness, and command of the locker room. Team executives have invested heavily in building around him, bringing in weapons like CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and tight end Jake Ferguson. The defense, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, gives the Cowboys arguably their most balanced roster in years. The window is now.
That’s what makes Cam’s critique so cutting—it highlights the one lingering doubt hanging over Dallas: Can Dak be the guy when it matters most?
Prescott’s supporters argue that every quarterback makes mistakes and that judgment should be balanced. They point to games where he’s led comebacks or thrown for 350+ yards and multiple scores. They note that even elite quarterbacks—like Josh Allen or Justin Herbert—have had playoff struggles. But the Cowboys’ situation is unique. Their fan base, media attention, and national profile magnify every play, every decision, and every result.
That microscope has turned Dak into one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the league. Some view him as a top-tier leader burdened by poor coaching and bad luck. Others see a player who plays well until the spotlight turns white-hot. Newton clearly falls into the latter camp.
The candle comment isn’t just a jab at Prescott—it’s a statement about trust. Or in this case, the lack of it. Lighting candles before games is something fans do when they’re nervous, desperate, and hoping for divine intervention. For Newton to say that’s what Cowboys fans should be doing speaks volumes. It suggests that Prescott hasn’t earned the confidence of neutral observers when the game is on the line.
But Dak isn’t one to back down. In fact, he’s used criticism as fuel throughout his career. A fourth-round pick who exceeded expectations from the moment he replaced an injured Tony Romo, Prescott has built a career on overcoming doubt. He’s battled adversity off the field as well, showing resilience and maturity beyond football. That mental toughness is why many inside the Cowboys’ facility still believe in him.
Still, belief must be matched by results. And time may be running out. The Cowboys are entering a season where the pressure is higher than ever. With roster talent peaking, coaching changes looming, and the fan base hungry for postseason success, Prescott will either silence critics like Cam Newton or reinforce their concerns.
There’s no denying that Dak is talented. But talent without consistency, especially in the postseason, won’t satisfy Dallas. It won’t satisfy Jerry Jones. And it certainly won’t satisfy fans—whether they’re lighting candles or not.
As the season approaches, Newton’s remarks will linger. They’ll be quoted during broadcasts, discussed on radio shows, and debated on social media. And when the Cowboys are trailing late in the fourth quarter, and Prescott lines up in shotgun, the question won’t just be about his arm. It’ll be about his nerve.
Can he prove Cam Newton wrong? Or will Cowboys fans once again find themselves reaching for candles, hoping for a miracle under center?
Only time—and Dak—will tell.
