What Will It Take for Dak to Enter Top-Tier Level?

Why Dak Did Make the Cut

Let’s point out the elements that made Prescott a top 10 QB. For starters, he is a leader. Before every first drive, Prescott fist-bumps every player in the huddle with the belief of leading his team to victory. He is passionate and always pushes his teammates to work harder. His work ethic is contagious in the Cowboys’ practice environment, and his teammates respect his routine. Even Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman approves of the tone Prescott sets within the team.

“I haven’t been around many players, as a broadcaster or as a player, who carry themselves the way that he does. The Cowboys are very fortunate to have someone like him representing the team.”

-Troy Aikman on Dak Prescott’s leadership

Dallas’ QB stepped on NFL grounds sooner than expected. After Tony Romo broke a bone in his back during a preseason matchup, Prescott took over the starting job and has held the role since the 2016-17 season. He led the Cowboys to an NFC-best 13-3 record and earned the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Prescott exploded to begin the 2020 season, becoming the first player in NFL history to pass for at least 450 yards in three straight games. He led the NFL in yards before breaking his ankle in Week 5, resulting in him missing the year.

QB4 returned in 2021 with a new contract and racked up a respectable year.  He owned the fourth-most passing touchdowns (37), fourth in the league in completion percentage (68.8%), and fourth-highest QBR from inside the pocket (65.5). The former Mississippi State Bulldog threw for a career-high 37 touchdowns.

He’s a very good quarterback. When it comes to statistics and efficiency, Prescott’s numbers are impressive and he is productive in the regular season. With that being said, what prevents him from being a “great” QB?

A Minor Problem

A minor ingredient that knocks Prescott’s is posting a career-low in rushing yards (in a full season). There were numerous occasions when Prescott would remain stagnant and let the pocket collapse on him. Typically, a quarterback needs to scramble or step forward to escape the pressure. Dak Prescott is not to fully blame.

Since former Pro Bowl center Travis Frederick retired, the offensive line never recovered to its dominant form. Last year, the O-line’s struggles were exposed. Connor Williams and La’el Collins regressed and star LT Tyron Smith missed six games.

The O-line’s miscues led Prescott to be the most-blitzed QB in the league (188). He was knocked down 48 times and hurried on 46 occasions. Could Dallas’ coaching staff want Prescott to limit using his legs because of the 2020 ankle injury, or could it be a decision the Cowboys’ field general made for himself? Prescott needs to improve on escaping pressure and getting out of the pocket when trouble arrives.