
Dak Prescott is about to once again prove he has “It”
Trevor Palagonia, @tpalz, Cowboys Fan and Aspiring Sports Writer
Rayne Dakota Prescott, better known as Dak, had a superb rookie campaign in 2016. He tied Ben Roethlisberger’s record for wins as a rookie with 13, although Dak and the Cowboys fell short of reaching a conference championship. I wouldn’t suggest that was due to Dak’s shortcomings as a quarterback, but rather the Cowboys’ defense not being able to slow down, contain, or stop Rodgers once again. Easier said than done. Dak was 24 for 38 in that game, totaling up to 302 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception in a 31–34 loss to Green Bay. The obvious throw he’d like to have back would of been the intercepted screen to Cole Beasley on a 2nd and 1 on the 19 going in mid third quarter, but it happened. Even the great Wizard of quarterbacking, Aaron Rodgers threw an interception to Jeff Heath on an underthrown go route later that quarter. If Rodgers wasn’t able to miraculously secure the ball when Heath sacked him with just 19 ticks remaining the Cowboys win. Dak went toe-to-toe with arguably the most talented quarterback in the NFL and came up just short.
Dak’s 2016 campaign earned him the AP Rookie Offensive Rookie of the Year. He threw for 3,667 yards, 23 touchdowns and had 4 interceptions, with a completion percentage of 67.8. He proved to be able to use his feet when needed and rushed for 282 yards and 6 touchdowns. He fumbled the ball 9 times, but was fortunate enough to only lose 4. Dak posted both the third best passer rating at 104.9 and the third best QBR at 81.5, only to trail Matt Ryan’s 83.3 and Tom Brady at 83.0, fourth best was Aaron Rodgers with a 76.9 QBR. Dak in just his rookie season already tied his predecessor Tony Romo’s season high for 4th quarter comebacks with 5, only Matt Stafford with 8 and Derek Carr with 7 had more last year. Something Romo didn’t accomplish until his fifth year of a full 16 game slate, 6 and 2/3 seasons after being named the starter.
Dak without a doubt benefitted from having one of, if not the best offensive line in professional football. He also without a doubt benefited from having one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL lining up behind and beside him. Only Le’Veon Bell, David Johnson, and maybe DeVonta Freeman bring the same kind of juice and overall balance to an offense. No disrespect to other backs, but they’re still making their case to be mentioned amongst them. Shady, Murray, and Gurley when healthy are very good backs. Guys like Melvin Gordon, Jay Ajayi, and Jordan Howard can continue to build their resumes going into this year. But I would still argue when healthy and/or not suspended Elliott, Bell, Johnson, and Freeman are the top tier running backs in the game. With Elliott’s 6 game suspension, and it looking like it very well might stay that way the Cowboys offense is going to lose firepower. With back ups Darren McFadden, Alfred Morris, Rod Smith, and Ronnie Hillman I expect the Cowboys running game to remain productive behind its line. McFadden has looked good. Morris looked like him old self in their third pre-season game against the Colts. Rod Smith continues to prove that he can play football and deserves a spot on the 53-man roster. And Hillman brings a nice passing element to the backfield now that Dunbar is gone and Zeke is out for the time being. Together they are a strong and deep backfield, but still none of them are Ezekiel Elliott. Zeke is a difference maker, he’s a grinder and a home run hitter. He’s an excellent receiver and an excellent blocker. He is your ideal three down back in today’s NFL.
With Zeke out, the Cowboys’ offense will lack some of that big play capability in the run game. It will fall on Dak and the passing game’s plate to shoulder the load. Suggesting to shy away from the run game and the identity the Cowboys have built would be ill advised. Running the ball certainly still will play a large role in their offense, and it should. Dak will get his first taste of some of what Romo had to shoulder during his tenure. Romo didn’t always have the sure running game that DeMarco Murray and that line produced. When he did, he went 12–4 and had some votes for MVP. When Romo went down last year, the offense lost some of its big play ability in the passing game. That is to be expected when you have a rookie stepping in. Dak however proved to be an NFL quarterback and continued to improve as a passer throughout his rookie season. For example this throw to Brice Butler in Week 6 at Lambeau Field.

Now Dak has had a full off season to continue to build chemistry with Beasley, a healthy Dez, TWill , Witten, and Butler. He can do so, knowing he’s the starter. Unlike last year when he was thrown right into the fire unexpectedly, when he responded and came out cool, calm, collected, and unburnt (sorry I can’t wait for the season finale of Game of Thrones). To add to his air arsenal he now has Ryan Switzer, an exciting receiver out of North Carolina. He can replicate a lot of what Dak’s favorite target, Cole Beasley does. Switzer however appears to be more of a deep threat and a stronger runner with the ball in hands. If Rico Gathers can learn from Witten and find his way onto the field, that’s a 6'8" target to throw jump balls to; how soon that happens remains to be seen.
Dak has always approached the game and the quarterback position the right way since he walked in the door. He will approach Zeke’s suspension the same way and embrace the challenge. That’s what remains to be the most impressive thing about the young man. His professionalism. He’s approached the position with poise, confidence, respect, and consistency. He’s always said the right thing, and he’s always looking for ways to improve. His work ethic has drawn comparisons to Tom Brady. Now I’m not going to go as far to say he’s the next Tom Brady just yet, that would be silly. But I will say that he’s the type of guy you want leading your team. You win in the NFL at the quarterback position with preparation. Continuous study and work is what makes the NFL greats great. Winning in the NFL requires the mind just as much as it does the body, and more. And from what he’s shown us, Dak Prescott has a mindset and is a person you don’t want to bet against. Cowboys fans are hopeful, and why shouldn’t they be?
It won’t be easy. The Dallas Cowboys' first six games are against the Giants, Broncos, Cardinals, Rams, Packers, 49ers.
