Jackson Free Press

If Dak Prescott was nervous last Saturday, he certainly didn't let it show. The former Mississippi State University quarterback and NFL rookie threw for two touchdowns and 139 yards in the Dallas Cowboys' preseason opener against the L.A. Rams.

The Cowboys eventually lost the game 28-24, but in a post-game press conference, Prescott said that while losing was a disappointment, the game felt good, just like another practice and another day playing football.

"My college coach told me that when you're prepared you don't get nervous, and that was the situation tonight," Prescott told reporters in Los Angeles at a post-game press conference.

In an interview with the Jackson Free Press last Thursday before the big game, Prescott said his secret to staying focused under pressure was to treat all situations—practice, game and play—the same.

"Every game, every situation, every play, I treat it all the same," Prescott said last Thursday. "I think honestly, the key is not to tell myself anything, not to make it seem like all of this is a big moment. ... I just think about the play and what I've got to do to get a first down or help my team, and it doesn't matter what the situation is."

Prescott said Saturday would be no different—and he was correct. Highlights from the game included two touchdown pass completions, including one to veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant, who reached in to the end zone for the touchdown, and a long pass to wide receiver Terrance Williams.

Before Saturday's game, Prescott said transitioning from college-level football to playing with "ones" and veteran NFL players does not change his mindset or approach on the field.

"There's so much I've got to know each and every play throughout the game, so I'll just be locked in on all my keys and make sure the other 10 guys around me are all on the same page, and I've got to understand what the other team's doing and go out there and put my best out there," he told the Jackson Free Press.