Dak Prescott walked up to the podium, but even the thick glass separating fans from reporters couldn’t mute the roar of cheers.

Can the Dallas Cowboys ignore those cheers?

Another surgical performance from rookie quarterback Dak Prescott prompts that uncomfortable question.

The Cowboys will soon be faced with the decision — ride the hot hand, or go back to the proven but fragile franchise quarterback, Tony Romo.

Prescott carved up the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday afternoon in a 28-14 victory to improve the Cowboys’ record to an NFC East best 4-1.

These efficient and effective performances can no longer be considered surprises. They’ve become the norm.

“Well, I will tell you this is a wonderful position if you’re in my shoes to be in,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters after the game. “To have Dak playing at the level he is, and know that Tony is repaired. If he had done his MRI on Friday, it would show him healed. He’s going to get one early (this week) and be able to come back and really get into top shape and help us as we go into the season. We’re pretty good at quarterback, as far as normal times go for the Cowboys.”

But Jones also stuck to the company line that the job remains Romo’s when he is healthy.

“Tony is our No. 1 quarterback,” he said.

It might indeed stay that way, but it is a question that gains steam with each passing week, each Cowboys victory. Each solid performance by Prescott.

The rookie keps his focus on the game.

“We’ve done a great job of putting the past behind us if it is a win or a loss, and just focusing on what’s in front of us,” Prescott said.

He has played near-flawless football. The offense – second best in the NFL in total yardage – has mowed through its opponents.

And for the last two weeks, this has come without star receiver Dez Bryant, who remained sidelined with a hairline fracture to his right knee.

“Dak has done a really good job taking advantage of the opportunity,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said in a press conference. “I think our team has embraced Dak. He has come in and he has done what we have asked him to do, executes ball plays. Tony is focused on coming back. We’ll process this game quickly and then get on to the Packers (next week) before you know it.”

Against the Bengals, Prescott managed the game with precision.

He completed 75% of his passes for 227 yards and one touchdown. He scored a five-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.

Of course, standing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines helps. Having a budding star at running back in rookie Ezekiel Elliott also helps.

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SOURCE: USA Today – Lorenzo Reyes