It was Dallas’ fourteenth win in the last fifteen games of the one-sided rivalry, with Prescott now having the upper hand in thirteen consecutive starts against New York. That’s the second-longest QB winning streak against a single opponent since 1950, according to NFL Research.

Prescott was outstanding that night, completing 22 of 27 passes for 221 yards, touchdowns against Rico Dowdle and CeeDee Lamb, and a 125.5 rating.

But as is the case with victories, it was hardly a work of art.

Prescott’s 55-yard scoring tie-in with Lamb looked like it would light up the offense, but the score with 9:16 left in the first half was Dallas’ last trip to the end zone.

And so it goes that Thursday’s victory was as much of a relief as anything else, while also being an indication that there is still a lot of work ahead.

“At the end of the day, like I said, even after those two losses the last two weeks, it’s a process,” Prescott said. “So we’re not going to get complacent, we’re not going to get too excited about what we did tonight. It’s about building and it’s about figuring out what we can do better at all stages. But it’s a lot easier to do that after a win.”

It was a message echoed by head coach Mike McCarthy: the Cowboys needed a win, and they’re happy with that, but they need to get better.

“I mean winning is always a great thing, especially on the road. Road wins are the best because the games will add another layer to it,” said McCarthy, “so I feel good about what we have tonight achieved, but I think the fourth week in a row we realized we still have a lot of work to do.”

That work will be in preparation for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. It’s likely that Dallas will face a fiercer defensive matchup, and Prescott knows his offense can’t simply rely on Brandon Aubrey field goals like they did in Thursday’s second half.

“It didn’t end the way we wanted, not to our standard,” Prescott said. “We left it in the hands of our defense, which gives the guys credit for getting it done and not allowing any touchdowns, but we are an offense that can finish better and score more touchdowns than we did tonight. So we have done.” We have to look ourselves in the mirror and make it happen.”